SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS (BRAZIL), August 17, 2005 (PTI)

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer today announced the delivery of three specially-configured Legacy Executive aircraft to the Indian government, which had ordered five airplanes of the model and holds options on two more.

Two of the Legacys delivered will serve the Indian Air Force, and one will serve India's Border Security Force.

"To Embraer, it is a reason for pride and happiness to deliver the contracted aircraft to the Indian government, in accordance with the specifications and strictly on schedule. This could lead to an increase in our cooperation.

"The ERJ 145 family is renowned worldwide, and the Legacy jet for authority transportation will certainly deliver safety, and mission and cost efficiency," said Romualdo Monteiro de Barros, Embraer Executive Vice-President for the Defence Market.

Embraer will conclude deliveries of the five Legacys ordered by India in October. The Legacy derives from the ERJ 135 jet, member of the successful ERJ 145 family, with more than 900 aircraft in operation and over seven million hours flown. The Legacy enjoys worldwide market acceptance with 58 units in service in 15 countries, said a company press release distributed by Asianet.