The executive jet industry is going full throttle to expand its reach in Asia, the world's fastest growing market for large cabin executive jets. Brazil's Embraer, though, reckons it has just established somewhat of a head start. It comes in the form of the luxury private version of its E190 commercial jet - the Lineage 1000, which has just started flying for two unnamed clients in Asia.

When the programme was launched several years ago, discerning Asian tycoons were quick to pick up on the aircraft's versatility and excellent value-for-money proposition. As a result, two Lineage 1000s have now started flying in the Asia Pacific region - one for a Chinese owner and one based in Indonesia. These undisclosed clients are likely to be but the first among many to come; another Lineage is already scheduled for delivery to China in early 2012.

All this buzz comes hot on the heels of the Civil Aviation Administration of China's type certification for the aircraft. Embraer bets on the Lineage 1000 soaring in China, since owners there prefer large cabin, long-range business jets - ideally airliner variants. These aircraft offer the ultimate in luxurious living, size and status, the key ingredients for commercial success in Asia's dynamic business jet markets.

While its airline cousin carries around 90 passengers, the Lineage 1000 provides a much more exclusive and expansive experience. With maximum seating for 19 (though even this would be rare), the VIP jet is only marginally smaller than competing planes, such as the Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) or the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ). Yet, on the inside - where it counts most for the owner - the Lineage 1000's cabin is five feet longer than that of the BBJ. This extra space gives it an edge over pure-play business jets, especially with customers who are looking for airborne homes and offices.

 

STYLISH AND AFFORDABLE

To convert its successful workhorse into a state-of-the-art private jet, Embraer hired award-winning UK design house Priestman Goode to develop an interior that can adapt to many situations. There is a wide range of option such as two bedrooms, plus a living salon and a boardroom. Or how about a stand-up shower and three lavatories, including one for the crew? The spacious galley also lends itself to fine dining, and it is likely that a stateroom for entertaining guests will be a popular option at this level of indulgence.

The interior outfitting can add millions to the base price of a VIP aircraft, and it follows that the bigger the cabin is, the more expensive the outfitting will be. Embraer, though, has been determined to keep costs down by using a modular theme and system. Priestman Goode ensured that the Lineage 1000 can feel like a private home, having redesigned the entrance hallway to make it a more personal and elegant greeting area. The cabin is fully connected for WiFi, so passengers can make calls or surf the Web when travelling - as well as receive and send faxes.

 

SUPERPOWER

The Lineage 1000 is powered by two General Electric CF34-10E7-B engines and has a range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,334 km), meaning it can fly non-stop on routes such as Beijing-Dubai and Hong Kong-Sydney. To adapt it to the VIP market, the manufacturer added extra fuel tanks, nearly doubling the aircraft's standard range. Other notable benefits are that it is an exceptionally quiet aircraft, able to fly into many airports which are otherwise inaccessible to competing aircraft in its class due to noise restrictions.

The jet has many other great attributes, including excellent airfield capabilities. It can use shorter runways, such as those found in London City Airport and in New York's 'executive aviation only' Teterboro Airport. The Lineage 1000 is equipped with the latest electronic fly-by-wire flight-control system and noise-dampening system. Pilots get the added bonus of Honeywell's Primus Epic avionics, which work alongside a Class 2 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and other cutting-edge technologies for lower workload and increased safety.

Luxury comes in many tastes, shapes and sizes. The Lineage 1000 offers the best of all.