Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd (HEAI), Embraer’s joint venture with Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), announced that the first Legacy 650 large executive jet assembled in China successfully completed its maiden flight today. Delivery of the first Legacy 650 is scheduled for the end of 2013.
Embraer’s test pilots flew the aircraft for about two hours and thirty minutes, assessing its handling and performance characteristics. The aircraft’s systems were evaluated, including flight control, communication, and navigation.

“The successful maiden flight of HEAI’s first Legacy 650 marks an important milestone not only in the Embraer-AVIC partnership, but also in the history of the Chinese executive aviation industry, as the jet is also the first large executive jet assembled by a joint venture in China,” said Guan Dongyuan, Senior Vice President of Embraer and President of Embraer China. “Congratulations to all who have made it a success!”

“Today’s achievement is the fruit of Brazil-Sino collaboration and the hard work of all parties concerned,” said Yuri Capi, President of HEAI. “The maiden flight is of special significance to HEAI, as it demonstrates to the market that HEAI is fully capable and ready to offer customers high-quality executive jets assembled here in China.”

The Legacy 650 entered service in late 2010. With a range of 3,900 nautical miles (7,223 kilometers), it provides such nonstop flights as Beijing to Dubai and Hong Kong to Adelaide (Australia), while carrying four passengers under NBAA IFR conditions. It has the largest cabin in its class, offering three distinctive cabin zones. The Legacy 650 enables up to 14 passengers to work or rest during the flight, enjoying the latest-generation entertainment system and high-speed internet. The jet also has the largest in-flight-accessible baggage compartment and lavatory in its category.

Embraer press release