Embraer delivered its first Lineage 1000 in late December, an increased gross weight version of the ERJ-190 airliner capable of flying eight passengers 4,400 nm and land with NBAA IFR reserves. Abu Dhabi-based Al Jaber Aviation took delivery of the aircraft at Embraer’s San Jose dos Campos, Brazil, headquarters and it has four more Lineage 1000 aircraft on order. The Lineage 1000 is the third of 21 aircraft the firm has on order, representing a $1-billion investment in business aircraft.

Al Jaber Aviation started operations in June 2009 with a single 13-seat, 3,400 nm range Legacy 600. It took delivery of a second Legacy 600 in July 2009. It also has plans to expand its fleet to include two 32-seat Airbus 319ACJ corporate jets and four 19-seat ACJs with private bedrooms, making it the world’s largest single ACJ operator. In addition, Al Jaber Aviation has eight Embraer Legacy 450 and/or 500 aircraft on order.

While firms in the region have suffered financial difficulties during the world recession, Al Jaber Aviation succeeded in securing financing in December for its Airbus aircraft through the European Export Credit Agency, marking the first time the European ECA has provided financing for a private air charter company. In November 2009, Al Jaber Avation secured financing for its two Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft with the help of Al Hilal Bank, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and BNP Paribas. Al Jaber Aviation is a subsidiary of Al Jaber Group, one of the largest private construction and manufacturing groups in the region.