Embraer Demos Legacy 600 in Malta

Legacy 600

In today's article, prior to the visit by Embraer visit to Malta on the 4th April 2008, we have a look in more detail at the Legacy 600 which will be landing in Malta on Thursday evening. The Legacy 600 jet provides premium comfort and privacy for up to 16 passengers in three distinct seating areas. Interior standard features include first-class leather seats, a plush divan, an elegant credenza, and spacious tables for dining or meetings. The aircraft also has a fullsize galley for hot and cold meals, a full-width aft lavatory, wardrobe and storage cabinet, and an entertainment system with DVD players and satellite telecommunications. Optional High Speed Data (HSD) and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) capabilities allow customers to browse the Internet, access e-mails and transfer files. The 240-cubic-foot (6.8-cubic-meter) baggage compartment of the Legacy 600 is one of the largest in the industry and is easily accessible during flight, for greater passenger convenience. The aircraft cruises at a speed of up to Mach 0.80 and has a range of 3,250 nautical miles (6,019 km or 3,740 miles) with eight passengers and NBAA IFR reserves. This range, bolstered by superior passenger and luggage capacity, enables customers to fly nonstop from New York (U.S.) to London (U.K.); from London or Geneva (Switzerland) to Dubai (United Arab Emirates); from Singapore (Singapore) to Beijing (China) or to Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea); and from Jakarta (Indonesia) to Melbourne (Australia) at lower operating costs than competitive aircraft with a similar cabin size. Additionally, the Legacy 600 is one the only super mid-size jet certified to operate into and out of the London City and Cannes-Mandelieu airports. The twin-engine business jet is based on the successful ERJ 145 regional jet family platform that has accumulated over 12.5 million flight hours on 1,000 aircraft. With a platform designed to endure an average of 2,500 hours per year, low operating cost, and a track record of over 99 percent dispatch reliability, the Legacy 600 offers luxurious comfort and delivers high utilization and high availability. Priced at US$ 25.41 million, based on January 2008 economic conditions, in the baseline configuration, for FAA certification, 131 Legacy jets currently operate in 23 countries. Also available in Shuttle and Shuttle High Capacity (HC) configurations, the Legacy is designed to provide comfort and functionality. The Legacy Shuttle accommodates from 16 to 19 passengers in business class comfort. The Shuttle HC version enhances owner productivity and comfortably seats as many as 37 passengers in a superior airline-quality interior. If you are in the market for purchasing a business jet and you will be in Malta, this is an excellent opportunity to have a close inspection of this magnificent aircraft. Drop us an e-mail to schedule an appointment.

Embraer Legacy will be visting Malta

EMBRAER LEGACY 600 On the 4th April 2008, Embraer is expected to make a visit to Malta with a Legacy 600. Embraer a Brazilian manufacture would be the first business jet manufacturer to demo a business jet in Malta. Other than the Legacy 600 a heavy jet, Embraer also manufacture smaller jets uch as the Phenom 100 and the Phenom 300. However Embraer are not only business jets manufacturers but also manufacture airliners jets. In this series of 2 articles we will investigate in detail the Legacy 600 in anticipation of the demo flight expected in Malta on Thursday, 4th April, 2008.

Embraer delivered 36 Legacy 600 executive jets in 2007, surpassing the 30 aircraft the Company had projected in January 2007. This represents a 33% increase over 2006 and 80% over 2005 deliveries. The first Legacy 600 entered service in 2002 and more than 130 have been delivered to 23 countries. The jet is currently available for delivery in mid-2009, and the list price for contracts signed after March 31, 2008, will be US$ 26.93 million. “The Legacy 600 enjoys a growing global demand for its stylish comfort and amenities that deliver a premium travel experience,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. “Its superior performance in the most demanding environments, the low operating cost and Embraer’s broad support network further drive customer satisfaction.” Last January, the first Legacy 600 with an enhanced interior was delivered to a European customer. The new interior had been displayed at the last National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) annual meeting and convention, in Atlanta, U.S., in September. The taller cabin (6 feet or 1.82 meters) offers more headroom and the slimmer valance provides an even more spacious feel to the cabin. The redesigned two-tone leather seats, with a seamless berthing feature for sleep or relaxation, enrich the comfort and space in three distinct zones, a unique feature in the super mid-size category. Noise abatement improvements enhance cabin sound proofing, and auxiliary audio input makes cabin sound integration possible. The galley now has more spacious compartments, retractable tables and a larger water reservoir for more convenient in-flight service. Optional items include a wine chiller and multiple oven combinations, including microwave. The baggage compartment is equipped with supports for storage of miscellaneous items, such as the tow bar.

Managing and Operating a Business Jet on the Maltese Register - Part 4

In the final part of this series of articles we give you a hint on the what's next. So where would one start? Sierra Aviation was established in 2002 as a business aviation service company. As the only dedicated business aviation company in Malta, Sierra Aviation’s main line of business is namely; o Aircraft Charter Brokers o Aircraft Handling at Malta International Airport o Aircraft Sales and Leasing o Aviation Consultancy o Aircraft Management Sierra Aviation can provide a number of services to owners/operators who may wish to exploit the great opportunities which Malta can offer to the international business aviation community. Namely Sierra Aviation can be the co-ordinator between the foreign party and the Maltese authorities, providing constant follow-up from the day go to the day that the aircraft is registered in Malta, and/or an Air Service Licence and Air Operator Certificate is obtained. For owners, Sierra Aviation can provide aircraft management. Through our numerous international partners, we can provide an unprecedented support that commensurate with the best in the industry at a fraction of the cost. Our staff, experienced in business aviation, and with local knowledge, in so far as, personal familiarization with the Civil Aviation Authority, the Airport Authority, the local Government, as well as the local labour market, company formation legislation will make sure that each customers requirements are met efficiently, safely, and legally.

Managing and Operating a Business Jet on the Maltese Register - Part 3

In this article we will treat the labour conditions in Malta and typical charges related to operating a business jet on the Maltese Register. As per statistics published in 2006, Malta had the 10th cheapest labour cost in the private sector from all European Union Countries. At just under 10 Euro per hour, Malta is cheaper than Portugal, Slovenia, Cyprus, Greece and Spain. More importantly the rate of salary increase was the second lowest from the 10 countries with the cheapest labour cost, at under 3.5%. That said, aviation being a very specialized industry, salaries in this sector are higher than the average, and with big players, such as Air Malta, Lufthansa Technik, and Servisair Globe Ground already established in Malta, there is already a healthy pool of aviation trained personnel, in all the major areas, such as Flight and Ground Operations as well as with Technical staff. Malta has two flight schools and the Local Government has assisted Lufthansa Technik amongst other ways by means of a collaboration between The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, and Lufthansa for the training and development of their local employees. A company operating a Challenger 605 and a Lear 60 XR will pay the authority just over 36,000.00 Euros for the first issue of an AOC and then barely over 16,000.00 Euros per annum for renewal fees. Hardly forbidding charges. More importantly an aircraft registration and/or AOC should be obtained within 90 days. This is achievable in Malta, as the Department of Civil Aviation is still relatively young and can give interested parties undivided attention. Assuming the owners/operator provide all the necessary information and documents. Other costs involved would be the setting up a company structure to own the aircraft and or apply for the Air Operating Certificate. These costs are estimated to be in the region of 2,000 to 5,000 Euros per annum, depending on the level of actual presence of the company on the island.

Managing and Operating a Business Jet on the Maltese Register - Part 2

Air Operating Certificate.

Yesterday we sarted this series of articles investigating the Maltese legislation relative to operating a business jet using the Maltese infrastructure. in this post, Part 2 of this series, we will talk about the requisites to obtain an AOC.

Strictly speaking an owner who is operating his aircraft for his own use, will not require an AOC, as the aircraft will be operated in the private category, however this scenario can be very restrictive, as it is at best unclear whether employees of the owner and sub-contractors can legally use the aircraft, as it can be argued that the aircraft will be operated for gain, and hence an AOC will be required. Further more if the aircraft is given under management to a third party company, even if the aircraft is not available for third party charter, the third party company managing the aircraft must obtain an AOC. Simply put, an aircraft can be operated in the private category without an AOC, however to obtain an AOC, the company must also have an ASL. The applications for the AOC and ASL, should be submitted together to the Director of Maltese Civil Aviation. In order to apply for an AOC, a company must demonstrate ownership of an aircraft, or a lease agreement for an aircraft. An aircraft need not be registered to be operated by a Maltese AOC, however the registered aircraft must have a European Union and JAA country registration. The reverse is also true, ie a Maltese registered aircraft can be operated on a European Union and JAA AOC, however both of these scenarios are not preferred by the Maltese Department of Civil Aviation. Similar procedures are required by the company applying for an AOC as for company applying for an ASL. The process for obtaining an AOC, ASL and registration of aircraft should take from three to six months, subject to demonstrating to the Maltese Department of Civil Aviation full compliance to JAR OPS 1.

Managing and Operating a Business Jet on the Maltese Register - Part 1

In a number of articles we will try to identify why Malta can be an interesting avenue where one could register a business jet. The first part of these series of articles deals with a brief introduction about aviation in Malta and a brief outlook of the Maltese Fiscal system.

Having been a colony of Great Britain for 164 years (1800-1964), and then continued to serve as a base for Britain's Armed Forces for a further 15 years, Malta was introduced to the world of aviation from a very early start. From the construction of the first airfield to the ravages of World War Two, the build up for the Suez canal, through four hi-jacks, and on to today's Malta International Air show, Malta has seen almost all the uses an aircraft can be put to. The Malta Department of Civil Aviation records show that when the Maltese aircraft register was opened in 1969 introducing the Maltese register prefix 9H, the first aeroplane to be registered, 9H-AAA was in fact a Cessna 172. The next two aircraft on the register were also general aviation aircraft, as were many others that followed. The aircraft were largely owned and operated by Maltese general aviation pilots. Today, the local general aviation fleet includes a wider variety of aircraft types and categories ranging from microlights to single engine private planes and public category aircraft available for rental. A small fleet of training aircraft is operated by two flying schools.

Malta has an excellent climate, is strategically located at the centre of the Mediterranean and has one of the last 24 hour airports in the European Union. It has one of the longest runways in Europe with practically no slots issues. Local business and the Maltese government are only now starting to fathom that there could be a great potential for managing and operating business aviation aircraft from Malta, offering very competitive licencing fees, in an English speaking country in an EASA/JAA environment. This combined with excellent tax structures for foreign investors, whereby, although corporate tax is fixed at 35%, foreign shareholders are refunded 30% within 14 days.

Business Jet Handling in Malta (LMML)

As the business community discovers Malta, not only as a country of sun, sand and fun, but also as a small european country with sound financial and advantageous fiscal infrastructures, we will continue to experience an increase in business jets landing at Malta's only international airport (LMML).

As an ex-British colony Malta is no surprise to the savvy British business man. Maltese are hard working and english is one our two national languages. Therefore it is no surprise the the first business jets landing at Malta International airport were from the UK. Businessmen, investing in the Maltese bouyant property market, enjoying the sailing boats berthed at one of the many marinas on the island or even setting up their own business using the Maltese infrastructure.

Malta (LMML or MLA) is not yet on par with other major European cities, such as the London airports, Swiss and French airports, but business and general aviation traffic has since 2002, (when Sierra Aviation was formed) always been on the increase.

Since our inception at Sierra Aviation, we had identified business aviation as a niche market where we could offer our services to these area of aviation which had until then been ignored. Without having our own FBO, we probably handle the majority of business jets coming to Malta. We have built a reputation over the years guaranteeing efficiency, security and service. We are the only handler who offer limo service next to the aircraft, payment of services right in the cockpit. In recent years although aircraft have longer ranges, we have seen an increase in operators choosing Malta LMML for a technical or fuel stop, because of the quick turn arounds possible. One must also say that Malta International Airport is open 24 hours, and Jet A1 in Malta is amongst the cheapest in Europe.

So whether you are passing through Malta for business or pleasure, whether you are an aircraft owner, an operator or a broker, don't take my word for it and next time round request Sierra Aviation's handling. For information on how to book your handling, visit our website, http://www.sierra-aviation.com/. You can even book online.

Malta: Not just an island in sun

Malta is a small island in the centre of the Mediterranean having a population of less than 400,000 people, famous for its sun, sea, history and culture, but not just. Joined the European Union in 2004 and at the start of 2008 became part of the Eurozone as Malta adopted the Euro. As the manufacturing industry sought greener pastures in Eastern Europe and the Far East, and with the emerging tourist markets again in Eastern Europe giving Malta a good run for its money, Malta had to seek alternative sectors wherefrom to attract foreign investment. An island bereft of any natural resources, except for maybe its weather, Malta betted on the service industry, especially in Information and Communication industries. One such success was becoming the first European country to offer a licence to online gambling sites, similarly with the yacht register and call centres. Malta has two major advantages on the rest of Europe; a. its tax infrastructure and b. the language. The former was an important part of Malta’s negotiation for the accession into the EU, whereby the Maltese government based on the island’s socio/economic standing with respect to the rest of the EU successfully negotiated a very favourable tax rate for foreign investment in the island, where in effect a foreign shareholder was taxed at only 5% on the revenue. The latter being the language, which Malta wisely had after its independence from the UK in 1964, kept the English language as its national language together with Maltese, which means that all of Malta’s laws are in both Maltese and English and the whole population is fluent in the English language. Which brings us to what to date is probably one of Malta’s best kept secrets. Sierra Aviation, the islands only dedicated business aviation company, realised that Malta was sitting on a gold mine. As the business jet owners community continued to increase on the European continent, and with ever stringent regulations for the operation of such business jets especially in Europe, Malta gives the opportunity to business jet owners to register their aircraft, management companies to obtain world recognised JAA/EASA operating licence from an English speaking EU country, with a 5% tax rate and double taxation with agreements with most EU countries, low labour cost, and amongst the lowest authority fees in Europe. With support of the Maltese Government, and the Department of Civil Aviation, Stanley Bugeja CEO of Sierra Aviation reckons that it is only a matter of time before Malta would become renowned for the safest, yet cheapest business jet operating licence infrastructure in Europe. Malta should have the first non Maltese owned but Maltese registered aircraft and operating licences as early as the first half of 2008. If you are a business jet owner, Malta offers probably the best European tax infrastructure and lest we forget best weather all year round in Europe.