Midsize Jet - Current Production
Embraer Praetor 500: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Embraer
Embraer Praetor 500: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Embraer Praetor 500, in production since 2019, is the current-generation midsize business jet from Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer, succeeding the Legacy 450 with substantially improved range. Distinguished by the longest range in the midsize class at 3,340 nautical miles (66% improvement over the Legacy 450's 2,900 nm), the Praetor 500 also features full fly-by-wire flight controls (one of the few midsize jets with this technology), a 6 ft stand-up flat-floor cabin (the first in its size category), and Honeywell HTF7500E turbofan engines producing 7,528 lbf each. Maximum cruise is 466 ktas (536 mph, Mach 0.83), service ceiling is 45,000 ft, and the aircraft is typically operated with two pilots. Current new price: $18.4 million; pre-owned average $17.4 to $17.6 million.
For operators wanting a modern midsize jet with super-midsize range, fly-by-wire flight controls, and a 6 ft stand-up cabin, the Praetor 500 is the definitive segment-leading choice.
Praetor 500 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Midsize Jet - Current Production |
| Production Status | Current (2019 to Present) |
| Announced | October 2018 (NBAA Convention) |
| First Flight | December 16, 2018 |
| Brazilian ANAC Certification | August 2019 |
| FAA and EASA Certification | September 2019 (end of) |
| First Delivery | December 23, 2019 |
| Predecessor | Legacy 450 (2015-2019) |
| Range Improvement Over Legacy 450 | +440 nm (15% improvement) |
| Range vs Praetor 600 | 3,340 nm (vs 4,018 nm Praetor 600) |
| Current Price (New, 2026) | $18,400,000 to $18,995,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price | $17,400,000 to $17,610,000 |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 7 to 8 |
| Passengers (Max Certified) | 9 (single configuration); 10 max (EMB-545 type cert) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 3,340 nm (6,186 km / 3,843 mi) |
| Range (Seats Full) | 3,250 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 466 ktas (Mach 0.83) |
| Normal Cruise Speed | 474 ktas (per some sources) |
| Max Operating Mach (MMo) | 0.83 |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Cabin Altitude at Max Operating Altitude | 5,800 ft (low) |
| Engines | 2× Honeywell HTF7500E turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 7,528 lbf (15,056 lbf total) |
| Flight Control System | Full Fly-By-Wire (Parker Hannifin) |
| Avionics | Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion |
| Avionics Displays | 4× 15.1-inch LCD displays |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 39,580 lbs |
| Cabin Length | 24 ft 0 in |
| Cabin Width | 6.83 ft (82 in) |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft (72 in - first midsize flat-floor stand-up cabin) |
| Cabin Floor | Flat-floor (first in midsize) |
| Total Baggage Volume | 150 cu ft |
| Balanced Field Length | 4,222 ft |
| Unfactored Landing Distance | 2,086 ft |
| Average Operating Cost | $6,007/hr |
History as Modern Midsize Innovator
The Embraer Praetor 500 was launched at the October 2018 NBAA Convention as the upgraded version of the Legacy 450, plugging the size gap between Embraer's Phenom 300 light business jet and its larger Praetor 600 super-midsize aircraft.
Platform timeline:
- April 2008: Legacy 500 launched (first jets with flat-floor stand-up cabin + fly-by-wire in midsize segment)
- November 27, 2012: Legacy 500 first flight
- August 12, 2014: Legacy 500 certified
- December 28, 2013: Legacy 450 first flight
- August 11, 2015: Legacy 450 certified
- October 14, 2018: Praetor 500 and 600 announced (upgraded variants)
- December 16, 2018: Praetor 500 first flight
- August 2019: Praetor 500 Brazilian ANAC certification
- End of September 2019: FAA and EASA certification
- December 23, 2019: First Praetor 500 customer delivery
- February 2026: Embraer announces Praetor 500E and 600E (next-gen cabin tech)
The Praetor 500 is featured in the fractional fleets of a fractional operator, a major fractional operator, and AirSprint. A major fractional operator signed an agreement with Embraer in 2023 with options for up to 250 Praetor 500s. A fractional operator announced a firm order for 182 Embraer private jets in February 2025 including Praetor 500s.
Industry-First Innovations
The Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600 family was the first in the midsize and super-midsize class to feature:
1. Full Fly-By-Wire Flight Controls
Parker Hannifin fly-by-wire system with closed-loop control and monitoring. Benefits:
- Reduced pilot workload: Computer-managed flight envelope
- Flight envelope protection: Prevents over-G, over-speed conditions
- Side-stick controls: Modern cockpit design
- Improved handling: Smoother control response
- Reduced maintenance: Fewer mechanical linkages
2. Flat-Floor Stand-Up Cabin
First in the midsize class:
- 6 ft (72 in) stand-up cabin: Industry-leading midsize cabin height
- Flat floor: No center aisle drop
- Full passenger comfort: Walk-around capability
3. 5,800 ft Cabin Altitude at Maximum Operating Altitude
The Praetor 500 maintains exceptionally low cabin altitude at FL450 (5,800 ft cabin altitude), reducing passenger fatigue on long missions.
Key Improvements Over Legacy 450
The Praetor 500 introduced multiple enhancements over the predecessor Legacy 450:
- 440+ nm range increase: 2,900 nm to 3,340 nm
- Increased fuel capacity: Tank improvements
- Increased maximum weights: MTOW improvements
- Taller and wider winglets: 22 by 50 in (56 by 127 cm) new winglets
- Same airframe basics: 95% systems commonality with Legacy 450 (and 500)
- STC available: Legacy 450 can be converted to Praetor 500 standard
Cabin Interior
The Praetor 500 cabin sets the midsize standard:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 24 ft 0 in (7.32 m) |
| Cabin Width | 6.83 ft (82 inches / 6'10") |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft (72 inches / 6'0" - stand-up flat floor) |
Seating Configurations
Three cabin configurations offered with same aft layout (two club seats, two single seats, belted lavatory seat) plus owner's choice of forward section:
- 8-Passenger (2 club + 2 single + lav + rear-facing single + forward seat): Standard
- 8-Passenger (kitchen + side-facing seat + standard aft): Better for longer missions
- 9-Passenger (2-place divan + standard aft): Maximum capacity
Cabin Features
- MicroShield360 antimicrobial coating: Standard on all Praetor 500 cabins
- Honeywell Ovation Select Cabin Management Suite: 1080P HD video streaming, immersive audio
- Upper technology panel: Flight status, ambient lighting, cabin controls
- Ka-band high-speed internet connectivity: Optional standard
- 150 cu ft baggage: Strong for class
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 466 ktas (Mach 0.83) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 420 to 440 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 3,340 nm |
| Range (Seats Full) | 3,250 nm |
| Max Operating Mach | 0.83 |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| Cabin Altitude at FL450 | 5,800 ft (low) |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 4,222 ft |
| Unfactored Landing Distance | 2,086 ft (exceptional) |
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to Los Angeles (2,140 nm)
- Frankfurt to Dubai (2,800 nm)
- Singapore to Beijing (2,490 nm)
- London to Athens (1,481 nm)
- New York to Paris (3,160 nm)
- Houston to Honolulu (3,300 nm)
The Praetor 500's 3,340 nm range provides genuine transcontinental U.S. capability with substantial reserves and transatlantic city-pair access for certain routes.
Engines
Two Honeywell HTF7500E turbofan engines, each producing 7,528 lbf of thrust (15,056 lbf total). The HTF7500E is derived from the broader Honeywell HTF7000 family with over 7 million flight hours of service experience across multiple aircraft including the Gulfstream G280, Bombardier Challenger 350, Cessna Citation Longitude, and the larger Embraer Praetor 600.
Avionics: Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion
Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics suite:
- 4× 15.1-inch high-resolution LCD displays: Primary flight + multi-function
- Synthetic Vision System (SVS): Standard
- Enhanced Vision (EVS): Available
- Optional Head-Up Display (HUD): HGS-3500 with EVS-3000 IR camera
- Decision altitude 100 ft above touchdown: With HUD/EVS combination (~$515,000 option)
- Cat II ILS certified: Standard
- High altitude operations: Up to 13,800 ft airports
- Steep approach operations: Approved
- Auto-throttle: Standard
- Voice command interface: Available
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~235 gph) | $1,410 to $1,880 |
| Engine Reserve | $500 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $600 |
| Misc Variable | $350 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,860 to $3,330/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.7 million all-in.
Average operating cost per AviaCost: $6,007/hr (all-in 450-hour basis).
Charter rates: $5,500 to $7,500 per hour.
Pricing
| Year | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2024-2026 Praetor 500 (current new) | $18,400,000 to $18,995,000 |
| 2023 Praetor 500 (pre-owned) | $17,500,000 to $18,500,000 |
| 2020-2022 Praetor 500 (pre-owned) | $14,000,000 to $17,500,000 |
Average pre-owned Praetor 500: $17.4 to $17.6 million (recent transactions).
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Longest-Range Midsize Operation: 3,340 nm beats all midsize competitors
- Transcontinental U.S. With Strong Margins: Coast-to-coast easily
- Transatlantic Light Operations: Strategic city pairs
- Step-Up From Light Jet to Modern Midsize: Fly-by-wire, modern systems
- Step-Up From Legacy 450: Same airframe, more range
Less suited if:
- You need single-pilot certification (Praetor not single-pilot certified)
- You require ultra-long-range (consider Praetor 600 or Challenger 3500)
- You want short-field operations under 3,500 ft (consider Phenom 300)
- You need the largest midsize cabin (Praetor 500's cabin is competitive but consider Latitude for height)
Pros and Cons
What the Praetor 500 Does Well
- 3,340 nm range (longest in midsize class)
- Full fly-by-wire flight controls
- 6 ft stand-up flat-floor cabin
- 5,800 ft cabin altitude at FL450 (lowest in class)
- Collins Pro Line Fusion with 4× 15.1" displays
- Optional HUD with EVS for 100 ft decision altitude
- Mach 0.83 max operating speed
- 150 cu ft baggage capacity
- Honeywell HTF7500E proven engines
- 2,086 ft unfactored landing distance
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Two-pilot operation required
- 5% less range than Citation Longitude (3,500 nm)
- 8% less range than Gulfstream G280 (3,600 nm)
- $18.4M new pricing
- Higher operating costs than competing light jets
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Praetor 500 different from the Legacy 450?
The Praetor 500 (2019) added 440+ nm range increase (2,900 nm to 3,340 nm) through increased fuel capacity, taller and wider winglets, increased maximum weights, and improved aerodynamics. 95% systems commonality with the Legacy 450, and Legacy 450s can be converted to Praetor 500 standard via STC.
How is the Praetor 500 different from the Praetor 600?
The Praetor 600 is the super-midsize sibling with longer cabin (27 ft 6 in vs Praetor 500's 24 ft), longer range (4,018 nm vs 3,340 nm), and higher cabin capacity (10-13 passengers vs 9). The Praetor 500 is the midsize variant; the 600 is super-midsize. The Praetor 600 has a different EMB-550 type certificate.
Is the Praetor 500 single-pilot certified?
No. The Praetor 500 requires two pilots.
How far can a Praetor 500 fly?
The Praetor 500 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 3,340 nautical miles (6,186 km / 3,843 mi) with four passengers, the longest range in the midsize jet class.
What is fly-by-wire and why does it matter on the Praetor 500?
Fly-by-wire (FBW) replaces traditional mechanical flight control linkages with electronic computer-managed systems using side-stick controls. The Parker Hannifin FBW system on the Praetor 500 provides flight envelope protection (preventing over-G, over-speed conditions), reduced pilot workload, smoother control response, and reduced maintenance requirements. It was an industry-first in the midsize segment.
What avionics does the Praetor 500 use?
The Praetor 500 uses Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics with four 15.1-inch high-resolution LCD displays, synthetic vision, optional enhanced vision (HUD with IR camera), and modern flight management. The HUD/EVS combination allows 100 ft decision altitude approaches.
Can a Legacy 450 be upgraded to Praetor 500 standard?
Yes. Existing Legacy 450 aircraft can be converted to the Praetor 500 standard via STC, adding the range improvements and winglet changes. This conversion was offered starting in late 2019/early 2020.
The Bottom Line
The Embraer Praetor 500 is the definitive modern midsize business jet, delivering super-midsize range (3,340 nm), full fly-by-wire flight controls, 6 ft stand-up flat-floor cabin, and Mach 0.83 max operating speed in a $18.4 million package. The Praetor 500's range advantage over competitors (Citation Latitude 2,850 nm, Challenger 350 3,200 nm) is meaningful for transcontinental operations. With Embraer's strong fractional fleet partnerships (a major fractional operator, a fractional operator, AirSprint) and the proven HTF7000 engine family, the Praetor 500 represents one of the strongest midsize jet value propositions in current production.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Praetor 500 market intelligence, configuration consultation, and pricing analysis.
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Book a Embraer Praetor 500 on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the Embraer Praetor 500 and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live Embraer Praetor 500 availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
AVIA Technologies is the technology platform behind the Quantum Jets mobile app. The AVIA Technologies app powers the private jet charter marketplace experience: search the catalog, compare a Embraer Praetor 500 against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Embraer Praetor 500 for jet sales, manage a fleet under aircraft management or private jet management, and execute a private jet card purchase, all from one private jet app. The Quantum Jets app and the AVIA Technologies app share the same backend so client data, trip history, and aircraft preferences carry across both surfaces.
Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Embraer Praetor 500 to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
Embraer Praetor 500 Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Embraer Praetor 500 operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Embraer Praetor 500 for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the Embraer Praetor 500 for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access Embraer Praetor 500-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the Embraer Praetor 500 flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the Embraer Praetor 500 retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Embraer Praetor 500-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Embraer Praetor 500 fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Embraer Praetor 500 for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Embraer Legacy 450: Predecessor Platform (Convertible Via STC)
- Embraer Praetor 600: Super-Midsize Sibling
- Citation Latitude: Direct Competitor
- Challenger 350 / 3500: Direct Competitor
The Embraer Praetor 500 entered service in December 2019 and remains in current production. Specifications accurate as of 2026.