Ask people why they finally decided to acquire a business airplane and they inevitably mention speed as the deciding factor. But as Concorde passengers learned over the years, the sensation of speed is quickly forgotten when the cabin is as cramped as it was aboard the SST. Speed may initially attract people to business airplanes, but it’s overall comfort on a long flight that determines the real value of an aircraft.
Embraer’s new Lineage 1000, the corporate version of the manufacturer’s successful E190 airliner series, is designed to offer a very-large-cabin aircraft at a price significantly below competitors’. The Lineage includes the latest fly-by-wire technology using the traditional Embraer ram’s-horn control yoke. A Lineage, including the completed interior, lists for $49.25 million ($ 2009). A green Boeing BBJ–based on the 737–is priced between $51 million and $67 million depending upon the model. Airbus offers the ACJ (based on the A319) and the Elite (based on the A318). Those airplanes sell for $75 million and $62 million, respectively, with interior.
More In Aircraft
