Where is the Legacy 500 going to fit in the market
place? Embraer has done a good job of
introducing new business jet aircraft in niches of the market. However, the competition has not been sitting
still. In many cases the old classes
have become more splitting of hairs than clear distinctions.
The Legacy 500 has a similar sized cabin as the Challenger
300/350 and a range of 3000NM which when the super mid size class was
introduced was about the norm. Now the
super mid-size C-350 will have a 3,250NM range, the speed demon Citation X
comes in at 3,295NM, the Falcon 2000S a 3,540NM range and the G-280 a 3,600NM
range. More range seems to be the trend in the
traditional super mid-size class with varying cabin sizes.
The mid-size group has also added mileage from the old
2500NM standard to 2800 to 3000NM. The
new Sovereign+ and the smaller G-150 are
examples that fit into this space and the Lear 85 when it arrives will also fit
in the middle of this segment. The old
2500NM standard is being filled in by the new Latitude and the Legacy 450.
The secret for all of the competitors will be the ability to
offer planes that have operating efficiencies near the same as previous true
mid–size aircraft and with comfort that the longer missions will require. Technology, previously found in the large
cabin planes, will continue to move into this category as large companies with
a primarily domestic mission will still want all of the safety enhancements
that EVS and HUD provide with the capability to still fly overseas.
After many years of ho-hum competition in the mid-size and
the super mid–size class buyers now will a variety of choices. The class distinctions may be blurred,
however it isn’t the class label as much as it is the mission they do. Competition in this segment will continue to
bring out the best. There will be
performance, technology, comfort and purchase price distinctions allowing
customers to find the plane that best fits their individual mission and
culture.
Increased product offerings make it even more essential to
have a good fleet plan and to understand both todays and tomorrows
missions. Hawkeye Aircraft Acquisitions
can help you compare the apples and oranges to find the best fit for you.
Mike McCracken
President
Hawkeye Aircraft Acquisitions LLC
Office 727 796 0903
