Aircraft of the Week – Embraer Lineage 1000

This week’s aircraft of the week is the Embraer Lineage 1000, an aircraft that doesn’t fit as easily into a category as other jets of it’s size and specifications. At first glance, the Embraer Lineage 1000 is a narrowbody airliner. The Embraer Lineage 1000 was built as a variant of the Embraer 190, a regional jet, traditionally configured for 94 passengers. The Embraer Lineage 1000 makes huge changes to the regional airliner by dropping the maximum capacity from 94 passengers to a much more comfortable 19. While not technically as large as a BBJ or ACJ, the Embraer Lineage 1000 still has a larger cabin than long ranged business jets, and is just slightly smaller than competing narrowbodies (BBJ & ACJ). The Embraer Lineage 1000 further modifies the Embraer 190 by dropping the cargo area for a much needed upgrade: fuel tanks, this nearly doubles the range to 4,500 nmi, not enormous in terms of competing narrowbodies, or competing long range business jets, but still a large enough range to hold it’s own. Lest we forget that 4,500 nmi is enough range to fly from New York to western Russia.

Lineage 1000Boasting a maximum speed of mach 0.83, the Embraer Lineage 1000 is a rare find, only 13 have been built thus far, and I have been lucky enough to see two. All Lineage 1000s come with a lavish VIP configured interior which at first glance looks like a Global Express 6000/XRS, but the larger cabin space is apparent as soon as you step through the door. With full sized bedrooms, lavatories with full sized showers, and full sized galleys, the Embraer Lineage 1000 does not come up short in comfort, space, or even wow factor. Almost indistinguishable from the outside, the Embraer Lineage 1000 looks like the Embraer 190, and is hardly noticeable as a super luxurious VIP narrowbody airliner. Although these aircraft are rare, most are available for charter, and can be a great alternative to a G650 or a Global Express. More common in the Middle East and Europe, a few are located in United States territory and are available for charter at approximately $12,000 an hour.

The Embraer Lineage is a unique aircraft, in a unique class. A modified regional jet for VIP use has been seen before, but none have been modified so seamlessly into an aircraft that can compete with the giants in the market. At a $12,000 hourly rate, it is cheaper to charter than a Global Express and G650, while boasting more space, great luxury features, and who can say no to a full sized shower on a business jet? More on par with a BBJ, the Embraer Lineage is a great aircraft for charter, and Embraer have really outdone themselves on building a jet this remarkably stunning. It takes seeing the Lineage in person to grasp the beauty of this private jet, it is shockingly beautiful, and without doubt a great choice for this week’s aircraft of the week.