The Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil – ANAC) today granted type certification for the Legacy 500 executive jet during a ceremony at the Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (LABACE), in São Paulo, Brazil. Embraer expects to receive certification from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in the upcoming weeks and certification by EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) thereafter.

“We are thrilled with the achievement of the Legacy 500 certification, a revolutionary jet that delivers true innovation to our customers,” said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President and CEO. “I want to congratulate our teams for their passion and their dedication to bring to market this extraordinary aircraft.”

The flight test program comprised four prototype aircraft, which have carried out extensive function and reliability testing. The Legacy 500 test fleet completed over 1,800 flight hours. Over 20,000 hours of tests were conducted in laboratories with rigs for aircraft avionics, electrical, hydraulic, and environmental systems.

Production of the Legacy 500 has already begun and the first delivery is scheduled for September. Up to six aircraft will be produced in 2014, and production of the Legacy 500 will increase throughout 2015.

“We are very pleased to confirm that all Legacy 500 design goals have been achieved or exceeded” said Marco Túlio Pellegrini, President and CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “This aircraft is a game changer! With greater range and better field performance than originally planned, the Legacy 500 sets a new standard for the midsize class.”