Embraer Takes Wraps Off Praetor 500E and 600E

Embraer has unveiled its new Praetor 500E and 600E, which feature revamped cabins with redesigned seats, slimmer overhead panels, a new cabin management system, and a better-optimized galley, marking the first evolution of the midsize-jet family since its launch in 2018. Both fly-by-wire models also get a Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS), new overhead tech panels with simplified icons and flat air gaspers, and electric window shades. Certification is expected by year’s end, with first deliveries slated for first-quarter 2029—the next available delivery slots.

Notably, the super-midsize 600E also has an option for an “industry-first” Smart Window, a 42-inch, 4K OLED touchscreen display integrated into the left-hand side panel opposite the “lounger” divan that facilitates virtual meetings and an “immersive” cinema and gaming area, as well as provides real‑time outside views via three external cameras. According to Embraer design operations v-p Jay Beever, the Smart Window turns the second cabin zone into a “virtual third zone.”

In addition, the 600E has a flexible space opposite the galley that can be used as a crew lavatory and for storage. Meanwhile, the 500E gets a max zero fuel weight increase to 26,511 pounds, boosting max payload by 15%, to 3,363 pounds.

Embraer worked with its in-house seat manufacturer to fully redesign the Praetor seats for more comfort, better aesthetics, and ease of use. Features include forward-tracking headrests, dual lumbar support, an electric-assisted system with six independent adjustments, and a larger leg rest, as well as a wider choice of colors and stitching. The fold-flat bed feature in the first cabin zone has also been simplified to a 15-second operation requiring only one seat to be reconfigured; the previous design required headrests to be removed from both seats before folding them together to create a bed.

The cabin management system has been upgraded from Honeywell Ovation to Lufthansa Technik Nice, adding an app with voice control. Lighting, window shades, and temperatures can also be controlled with the touchscreens in the storage armrests, which have USB-A/C and wireless charging ports, and overhead tech panels. Passengers can also create voice actions via the app to control multiple elements simultaneously; for example, an “activate blue” command lowers all of the window shades and turns the overhead LED lighting blue for a cinematic experience when watching movies.

Smart Window “acts like a large personal electronic device,” Beever told AIN. “It also turns the principal’s favored seat from the first forward-facing right-hand seat to the middle seat in the divan, opposite the Smart Window. And using the voice commands, someone can switch from watching a movie in ‘blue mode’  to ‘daylight mode’ [all shades up and bright white overhead lighting] in seconds to do a videoconference with board members, and no one on the call would be the wiser.”

In addition to these improvements, the galley on the 600E and the refreshment center on the 500E have been redesigned for the potential to serve more meals on extended missions. This translates to increased volume for storage, disposal, and the ice drawer.