The Embraer Lineage 1000 is largely based on the highly successful Embraer passenger jet, the E-190. Manufactured by the Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer, the Lineage is an “ultra-large” business jet with comfortable seating for 19 passengers but many more in a less comfortable configuration.

The Lineage 1000 is the largest designated jet except for the Boeing Business Jet and Airbus Corporate Jet. The jet also boasts a lavish interior, divided into up to 5 sections including an optional bedroom, washroom with running water, and a walk in cargo area at the rear.

The range of the Lineage 1000 in comparison to the E-190 is nearly double due to its added fuel tanks in the cargo hold. Due to this added range the plane can fly from New York to Brasilia with out stopping. Price : $41 million

Europe plans to enter the fledgling space tourism market by offering a chance to experience weightlessness to help pay for scientific research.

Novespace, a unit of France’s CNES space agency claims to be leading the field in scientific deployment with a converted Airbus A300 jetliner. With Europe’s space ambitions facing a budget squeeze due to the weak economy, the plan to mix science with adventure was unveiled in a “zero G” flight for European space agency chiefs on a converted Airbus jet.

Passengers feel twice their normal weight during the steep climb and descent but experience 22 seconds of weightlessness along the crest of the arc when engine power is sharply reduced.

The Novespace ticket sales would not aim to make a profit but would help sponsor research carried on board. The price tag would be 3,000 euros ($3,900) for 30 parabolas or 22-second bursts of weightlessness - 11 minutes in all.

Trips like these are pretty affordable and cost a fraction of the $30-35 million paid by wealthy individuals for the ultimate ride into orbit. But the only difference with weightlessness as felt in space is the time spent afloat !

A taste of the good life, on us….

It may be the most expensive Canadian ski pass on the books this season. Great Canadian Heli-Skiing have launched a new lift pass costing CDN$100,000 ($80,000). The exorbitantly priced Platinum Heli-Skiing Season Pass provides skiers with unlimited vertical access to some of the world’s best powder skiing between Golden and Revelstoke.

The pass is accompanied by a personal concierge to keep them up to date with the latest conditions and forecasts. Owners of the pass may ski on every day of the heli-skiing season if they wish, which runs from December 26th until March 28th. This includes even the peak season of February which is traditionally sold out long in advance. Regardless of any other bookings made, the owner of the pass will be guaranteed access to their desired skiing location by one of the company’s A-Star B2 Helicopters.

Great Canadian Heli-Skiing’s Greg Porter explained, « The Platinum Heli-Skiing Season Pass was designed for our more serious skier who felt a single heli-skiing holiday was simply not enough. This unique pass will make multiple heli-skiing holidays simpler for international visitors and single day trips an option for locals and Albertan skiers ».

Looking for something a little more affordable? Then you might be interested in a Bronze, Silver or Gold Season Pass, ranging from $13,000 for eight days to $70,000 for 48 days. These passes also allow you to book last minute and offer the flexibility of shorter duration trips but multiple visits during the same season.

We previously reported on the 2008 Macao Business Jet Rendez Vous at the MGM Grand Macao from 24th – 26th October 2008.

The third edition, once again, brought China’s elite business leaders to the most exclusive business aviation platform in Asia.

A record number of the best aircraft, including Bombardier, Cessna, Cirrus, Dassault, Embraer, Eurocopter and Gulfstream were on display at the Macau Business Aviation Center (MBAC), culminating in a much anticipated event attended by over 150 VIPs and aviation experts.

The celebrated event was held at the MGM GRAND Macau and MBAC from October 24th to 26th, attracting China’s most distinguished aircraft owners and potential jet buyers. The event organized by Jet Asia-Pacific magazine offered a unique occasion for the industry to showcase the latest capabilities in the field of business aviation.

For this year’s edition VIP guests were flown in from Beijing, Dalian, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen via private jets and helicopters to the MBAC.

“Following the previous years’ success, we were able to generate more support from the industry to enhance this unique event” said Mr. Walter Wang, Jet Asia-Pacific magazine editor-in-chief.

Aircraft on static display comprised Bombardier’s Challenger 650 and Challenger 850, Cessna’s Citation X, Cirrus S22, Dassault’s Falcon 2000 and Falcon 900, Embraer’s Legacy 600, Gulfstream’s G200 and G450. The Eurocopter EC120 and EC 135 were also on hand at the venue for exclusive helicopter demo flights.

“This event brings a unique true experience to Chinese entrepreneurs and leaders. During their flights to and out of Macau, they can benefit from the advantages offered by business aviation: flexibility, comfort and privacy. I am confident that Chinese will rapidly consider Business Aviation as a support tool to their international development.” said Mr. Jerome Desmazures, Director of Sales for Dassault.

Apart from sampling impressive private aircraft, guests also indulged the unique service, accommodation and facilities at the MGM GRAND Macau. On the first night’s event, guests enjoyed the ‘Jet and Art’ dinner in the Grande Praca dazzled by exclusive masterpieces brought by Opera Gallery. A one-time opportunity to view Chagall, Botero, Chu The Chun, Dali outside their natural exhibition room in this beautiful arena.

On Saturday, various activities were running in parallel. Ladies enjoyed the Bulgari Exclusive Jewellery and Watch Workshop where they were able to preview over 60 pieces of exclusive jewellery and complication watches that are being shown in Macau for the first time while gentlemen were more focused on the Private Jet Workshop, the Exclusive Maybach Experience and the Longfor’s Summer Palace real estate developments.

At night, Mr. Olivier Burlot, Managing Director of Blu Inc Media (HK) Limited and Ms. Pansy Ho, Managing Director of MGM GRAND Macau gave a welcome speech to commence the Gala Dinner. “Undoubtedly, the annual Jet Rendez Vous serves as a networking occasion for business elites to exchange business information and share opportunities with each other. This year, many guests have travelled in private jets from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau to MGM GRAND Macau, one of the world’s leading and most respected hotels and luxury entertainment resort. I hope all guests enjoy top-class lifestyle and be content with all the activities and entertainment organized” said Ms. Pansy Ho.

The event culminated in a prestigious ‘Jets and Jewels’ Gala Dinner with an astonishing Bulgari jewellery model show featuring 14 sets of exquisite High Jewellery especially flown in to Macau for this event. This year’s gourmet dining also featured a selection of the finest things in life including champagne from Perrier Jouet and Martell cognac.

Given the success of the event, expect Jet Rendez Vous to be a regular fixture in Asia’s luxury aircraft calendar of events.

French aircraft manufacturer Dassault has introduced a jet that changes the playing field for business jet manufacturers operators and pilots. That jet is the $50 million Falcon 7X.

The Falcon 7X is perhaps the most coveted ultra-long range private jet in all of Europe and flies faster, further and higher than its predecessors.

It is the largest Falcon tri-jet business aircraft produced, and Dassault states that the Falcon 7X is the world’s first fly-by-wire business jet.