Embraer Lineage 1000: Luxury Without Bankruptcy

Photo: Embraer

Alternative: Global Express XRS, BBJ; 

On Ground: Becker JetVan

Inconspicuous on the outside, luxurious on the inside – the Lineage is way bigger than the largest traditional bizjets and is ready to take on bizliners. And it’s cheaper than both.

Comfort

Imagine a bigger Legacy. It will have the same proportions – long and narrow – but because of the larger scale it will have a lot more space. There’s plenty of it, with the ceiling tall enough to accommodate anyone save NBA stars. There’s a double bed in the separate compartment at the back, and a stand-up shower. A second bathroom is featured in the front, so those travelling in the suite won’t be disturbed by those who’ve had a drink too many. Cabin pressure is more comfortable than on the Legacy – 7000 feet against the latter’s 8000.

Technology

The regional airliner conversion story goes on. This time it was the ERJ 190 capable of seating up to 114 people. Featuring Embraer’s own fly-by-wire system, the ERJ got an avionics upgrade to the Honeywell Primus Epic suite and extra fuel tanks that increased max range to 4400 nm to become the Lineage. Otherwise the two are quite similar.

Photo: Embraer

Cool

It looks like an airliner from the outside. There sure are planes with more sex in their looks. But if you compare it to the BBJ and ACJ, this one is a lot more sleek and streamlined. And if you want to stand out – just give it a screaming paint job.

Flight

A performer for its size, reaching its ceiling in 16 minutes. Make sure all fragile items are held fast before takeoff – or you’ll have them in pieces on the floor. A very short landing distance allows the Lineage to land in most difficult airports. It doesn’t connect Moscow with New York though – a disappointment for some of them oligarchs.

Quality

The assembly is nice, and the reliability of Embraer aircraft has long been a major selling point. The service network is growing, so accessible maintenance in any part of the world won’t be long coming. For now, AIN Product Support Survey returns on service quality are mixed, ranging from good to bad.

Photo: Mark Kozhura

Practicality

It’s the Legacy philosophy on a new scale. A big plane for pragmatic people. Some might wonder why it needs the size when it lacks the range... but for many the price is worth an extra landing.

Costs

Wow! $49 million for a flying mansion with a bedroom and shower. All this space comes at the lowest price on the market.

Verdict

If your choice is something inconspicuous with a great interior rather than a flashy “look at me I’m rich” type of thing, the Lineage is the best there is.

Overall: 9 of 13

Specifications

Price	$ 49 250 000
Variable costs	$ 5114
MTOW	120152 lb (54 500 kg)
Seats	14-19
Cabin size (LхHхW)	84'4x6'7x8'9 (25,7 х 1,97 х 2,68m)
Cabin / Baggage Volume	4085/639.2 cu. ft. (115,7 / 18,1 cu. m)
Range	4400 nm (8150 km)
Cruise Speed	470 ktas (890 km/h)
Rate of Climb	39.6 fps (10,05 m/s)
Certified Ceiling	41000 ft (12 497 m)
Useful Load	49295 lb (22 360 kg)