Jackie Chan, the renowned kung fu star and philanthropist, took delivery of a new Embraer Legacy 500 back in 2016. As a brand ambassador for Embraer, he was the first customer based in China to receive this aircraft, following his earlier acquisition of the Legacy 650 in 2012.In a statement announcing the delivery, Chan expressed his excitement about this addition to his fleet, highlighting how the Legacy 650 had enhanced his global acting and philanthropic endeavors.

"I'm so thrilled to receive this Legacy 500, a state-of-the-art executive jet. In the past few years, my Legacy 650 has brought me fantastic traveling 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 become a comfortable mobile home and office for me."

Legacy 500 features

This midsize executive jet features a six-foot flat-floor cabin, rivaling even super-midsize aircraft, and houses eight club seats that can be transformed into four beds. The entertainment system offers high-definition video, surround sound, and multiple audio and video input options. The cabin management system and various communication and connectivity options further enhance the onboard experience.

One of the most significant technological features of the Legacy 500 is its digital flight controls based on fly-by-wire technology, including side sticks for control. The avionics suite incorporates the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion system, displayed on four 15-inch high-resolution LCD screens. This suite facilitates graphical flight planning and offers features including paperless operations capability, auto brakes, and the Embraer Enhanced Vision System (E2VS), which includes a Head-up Display (HUD) with the Enhanced Vision System (EVS).

The Legacy 500 can fly at an altitude of 45,000 feet and is powered by Honeywell HTF7500E engines. Its impressive takeoff capabilities, including the ability to operate from airfields as short as 4,084 feet, enable it to achieve a range of 3,125 nautical miles with four passengers and NBAA IFR fuel reserves.

Fit in Chan's fleet

Jackie Chan's choice of the Legacy 500 for shorter trips aligns with his demanding travel schedule, business development needs, and his continuous charitable efforts worldwide.

Embraer Executive Jets' President and CEO, Marco Tulio Pellegrini, emphasized the jet’s advanced capabilities in a statement when the aircraft was delivered.

"The Legacy 500 features our best-to-date technologies and it incorporates designs that maximize passenger comfort and fuel efficiency."

As a brand ambassador for Embraer, Chan's connection with the company has led him to be the first customer in China to own both the Legacy 650 – built upon the Legacy 600 – and the Legacy 500. These aircraft represent some of the most advanced capabilities in executive jet technology, combining advanced flight controls, entertainment systems, and impressive performance capabilities.

Chan's enthusiasm around the Legacy 500 echoes his reportedly positive experiences with the Legacy 650 and seems to indicate that the jet aligns well with his travel needs, allowing him to continue his philanthropic endeavors and acting pursuits across the globe.

What other famous individuals own and utilize the Embraer Legacy 500? Let us know in the comments below.

Sources: Forbes, Business Insider