Embraer achieved a significant boost to its aircraft delivery rate during the first quarter this year. The Brazilian manufacturer today reported that it delivered 44 aircraft during the first three months of the year, 37.5 percent more than in the same period last year. Its executive jet line showed the most significant improvement, accounting for 23 of the deliveries—almost twice the 12 business aircraft delivered in the first quarter last year.

The executive jet deliveries made over the past three months consisted of 12 light jets (11 Phenom 300s and one Phenom 100E) and 11 large jets (six Legacy 650s and five Legacy 500s). Also in the first quarter, Embraer’s commercial division delivered 21 airliners (19 E175s and two E195s). The company’s combined backlog as of March 31 was $21.9 billion.

Separately, Embraer’s Legacy 450 is now the largest business jet approved to operate at La Môle Airport in the French resort of St. Tropez after receiving approval to land with at least six passengers and take off with eight. The aircraft met requirements to operate from the airport's 3,871-foot-long runway. Evaluation flights were performed with an aircraft operated by Belgium-based charter operator Air Service Liège.