Embraer Executive Jets said it has started deliveries on a $260-million order for 23 of its business jets to Across, Mexico’s premium business aviation services provider.

The order includes eight Legacy 500, eight Phenom 300 and seven Phenom 100E jets, with an estimated value of over $260 million at current list price.

The announcement was made yesterday, ahead of the 16th European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (Ebace), which got under way in Geneva, Switzerland, today.

The firm order was included in the Embraer’s backlog of the first quarter and the first deliveries already have started.

“This fleet order reflects our growing presence in Mexico and confirms the long-term relationship we are building with Across,” said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “The Mexican market has a solid business aviation utilization culture and Embraer Executive Jets' portfolio is perfectly suited to fulfill the increasing demand for more efficient and reliable aircraft in the region. We are glad to support Across in expanding its best-in-class services.”

Aiming to improve customers’ operational flexibility, Across offers air charter solutions with the concept “Aviación a tu medida,” along with aircraft management, first-rate FBO services and a sales or fractional ownership program for Embraer’s broad business jet portfolio. 

Launched in 2009, Across owns the most modern infrastructure at Toluca International Airport, the main hub for business aviation in Mexico, which includes hangars, VIP lounges, customer meeting rooms and administrative offices.

“Embraer's business jets will become the backbone of Across solutions for our fractional ownership programme and charter services for customers worldwide who need to fly to Mexico or the Americas for business or leisure,” said Pedro Corsi Amerlinck, CEO of Across. “The Phenoms and the Legacy 500 play an important role in the operation of the major fractional provider companies from the US and Europe, and I'm thrilled we are starting to offer these innovative business jets to enhance our customers’ and partners’ experience as well.”

Across is attending Ebace jointly with Avinode, the world’s leading online marketplace for buying and selling air charter, to present their solution for European customers who travel from Mexico to anywhere in America and vice versa.

Embraer is one of the world’s leading executive jet manufacturers, having entered the business aviation market in 2000 with the Legacy jet, which led to the launch of Embraer Executive Jets in 2005. Its portfolio, the broadest in the market, consists of the entry-level Phenom 100E and the light Phenom 300 jet, the midsize Legacy 500 and mid-light Legacy 450, the super-midsize Legacy 600 and large Legacy 650 and the ultra-large Lineage 1000E. Embraer Executive Jets’ global fleet exceeds 1,000 aircraft, which are in operation in more than 60 countries and are supported by the company’s global customer support and services network of 75 owned and authorized service centers, complemented by a 24/7 contact centre at its headquarters in Brazil.