Embraer delivers first Praetor 500 converted from Legacy 45

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Embraer has delivered the first conversion of a Legacy 450 to a Praetor 500 jet for AirSprint Private Aviation. The Canadian-based fractional company has another Legacy 450 scheduled to convert later this year, as well as delivery of a brand-new Praetor 500.

Embraer has already converted 16 Legacy 450s into Praetor 500s in Europe and North America. The full conversion can be completed at Embraer Owned Service Centers.

“We are continuously looking for ways to elevate and enhance our fractional owners’ experience,” said James Elian, president of AirSprint, “The introduction of the Legacy 450 to the fleet in 2016 was a game changer for AirSprint as it opened up the world to our fractional owners like never before. With an increase in range of 15% over the Legacy 450, the Praetor 500 is the perfect complement to the fleet and the next step towards providing our fractional owners with direct access to many more destinations, more experiences, and more opportunities.”

The Praetor 500 is capable of nonstop flights of 3,340nm at long-range cruise speed. This includes city pairs such as Montréal to London, or Vancouver to Miami. As for performance, the conversion to a Praetor 500 entails an intercontinental range of 3,340 nautical miles (6,186 km) with four passengers and NBAA IFR Reserves.

In order to upgrade the Legacy 450’s 2,904 nm range, several modifications were made. The level-sensing wiring in the fuel tanks was replaced, the over-wing gravity fuelling ports were moved, the fuel-measurement system was relocated and the wing ribs were reinforced to hold additional weight. These adjustments also meant updates to the flight control systems, including a new avionics load for the flight deck. Most noticeable of the modifications is the swept winglets of the Praetor.

“We are delighted to strengthen Embraer’s partnership with AirSprint, delivering its first converted Praetor 500,” said Frank Stevens, vice president, Global MRO Centers, Embraer Services & Support. “We are looking forward to receiving another Legacy 450 in the coming months to perform the same modifications, which will offer even more flexibility to AirSprint’s operations.”

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