Flexjet LLC has celebrated a significant milestone as its Embraer Legacy 500, the fastest midsized private jet in the world, landed at London City Airport, further bolstering its international offering.

Certification to fly into London City Airport, one of the world’s most technically difficult, is the latest development at Flexjet. The jet appointed to mark this milestone is the 1,000th business aircraft ever built by Embraer Executive Jets, and was delivered to Flexjet last month.

Raymond Jones, Flexjet Managing Director of International based in London, was on board the maiden flight into London City Airport today. “Access to London City Airport is a critical milestone as we evolve our presence in Europe while offering our North American Owners the perfect solution for reaching central London directly from the business centers of the U.S. east coast. Bypassing the long trek in from the airports on London’s periphery allows our Owners to transport to their final destinations more quickly,” said Jones.

Not only is London City Airport closer to the heart of the city than the other airports serving London, but it offers a 90-second promise to customers from car to aircraft departure. Noise restrictions, a short runway and London City Airport’s proximity to central London limit the types of aircraft that
can fly in. In addition, the percentage landing and take-off grade of 5.5° is higher than typical airports, which require 3°.

This occasion is the first time the Legacy 500 has flown into this airport and is the final step in the completion of the aircraft’s certification. The pilots made two approaches before a final approach and landing as part of the certification process. The Legacy 500 is among a select group of midsized business jets that are capable of a nonstop transatlantic crossing and also are approved to land at London City Airport.

“The Legacy 500 already has proven its remarkable field performance and now is able to fly in and out of London City Airport, reaching destinations as far as Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Gander, Canada. This new operational capability for London’s financial district, one of Europe’s major business aviation hubs, will offer our customers additional flexibility in the best-in-class midsize jet,” said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President and CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “We are proud to be Flexjet’s partner in introducing the Legacy 500 to the transatlantic marketplace. Flexjet continues to expand its international presence, and we are pleased they called upon us to deliver an innovative aircraft that can meet the needs and expectations of their sophisticated clientele.”

The Legacy 500 arrives at London City

The Legacy 500 is the first midsized business jet with digital flight controls, based on Fly-By-Wire technology. It can fly at 45,000 feet and is powered by a pair of Honeywell HTF7500E engines, the most environmentally friendly in their class. With the ability to take off from airfields as short as 4,084 feet, the Legacy 500 has a range of 3,452 miles (5,555 kilometers) with four passengers, including NBAA IFR fuel reserves, which enables it to fly nonstop on trips such as Teterboro (New Jersey) Airport-London City Airport.

Red Label by Flexjet also arrives at London City Airport

The Legacy 500 aircraft offers Red Label by Flexjet, which features flight crews dedicated to a single aircraft, artisan cabin interiors and access to the world’s newest shared jet fleet. Red Label provides premium comfort and customization that simulates a private flying experience as rewarding and empowering as owning one’s own aircraft, bridging the gap between traditional shared ownership programs and whole-aircraft ownership.

As part of Red Label, the Flexjet Legacy 500 includes features never before seen in other midsized aircraft, including granite veneer floor entryways and a wet galley (an unprecedented feature for a midsized aircraft). Among the aircraft’s seven sound-reducing design elements are extra sound wall layers that help make the cabin extremely quiet, thereby decreasing passenger fatigue.

At six feet tall and six feet 10 inches wide, the Legacy 500’s cabin is the largest in its class. It also has the largest baggage capacity in its category - 150 cubic feet. The Legacy 500 can carry eight passengers in the Flexjet LXi configuration. In addition, four fully reclining club seats may be converted into two beds for complete rest during long journeys.

“Embraer, Flexjet and the Directional Aviation family have had a long and distinguished partnership, and it is appropriate that the first Flexjet aircraft to fly into London City Airport not only is an Embraer jet but also the landmark 1,000th aircraft to which it was my great honor to accept just last month,” said Flexjet Chief Executive Officer Michael Silvestro. “I am thrilled that my friend and colleague, Ray Jones, was able to commemorate this milestone on behalf of Flexjet today.”

As part of the Red Label by Flexjet fleet, the Legacy 500 and it sister plane, the Legacy 450, will provide the service quality that Flexjet transatlantic travelers expect

See also:

Flexjet to expand international operations

Flexjet doubles firm Challenger 350 order to 40 Aircraft