The movie icon Jackie Chan recently took delivery of a new Embraer Legacy 500 business jet. But it is neither his first private jet nor his first Embraer. Chan, who is also a brand ambassador for the Brazilian aeroplane maker, Embraer; took delivery of his Embraer Legacy 650 in 2012, and now this latest addition in his fleet is the first Legacy 500 to be delivered to any Chinese customer. The company expects to deliver a total of six of these aeroplanes by the year-end. Embraer claims, the Legacy 500 features best-to-date technologies, and it has been designed to maximise passenger comfort and fuel efficiency. Chan too is equally delighted and thrilled about the possession of Legacy 500. In a recent interview, he says, “My Legacy 650 has brought me fantastic travelling experiences and great convenience, allowing me to do more acting and philanthropic works around the world. I’m sure that the performance of the new Legacy 500 will again exceed my expectations, and sure will become a comfortable mobile home and office for me.” Chan is expected to use his Legacy 650 for transoceanic flights and the Legacy 500 for shorter trips.

This is the latest introduction by the Brazilian planemaker in their range – a midsize business jet. It features fly-by-wire technology, Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics, and similar modern flying technologies. The cabin is 6 feet tall and 6 feet 10 inches wide, with a flat floor and eight ergonomic seats that convert to fully flat berths. It carries eight passengers on board; optional divans are there to increase the number of seats to 12. Large, well-placed windows enhance passenger comfort; a full galley; low cabin altitude; and the owner’s choice of interior colours and lighting with plenty of storage space. Has Wi-Fi, and all the latest amenities an office would require, are available on board.

The plane maker’s Embraer Enhanced Vision System and a head-up display and enhanced vision help complete the technology package. A pair of Honeywell HTF7500E engines powers the jet to FL450 from runways as short as 4,084 feet. The plane has a range of 3,600 miles and flies at speeds up to 466 kt (863 km/h). It is claimed to be the fastest jet in its category. Can operate at a maximum of 45,000 feet altitude. In the cockpit, a side-stick control and full fly-by-wire flight control system deliver the smoothest flight.

The Legacy 500 starts at $20 million, and the price goes on with the additions and modifications as per the owner’s needs. Legacy 450 a smaller version of this jet is also expected to roll out soon.