As Embraer’s Phenom 300 continues to be in great demand, the Brazilian manufacturer looks towards more success at the upcoming Ebace show in Geneva

Embraer Executive Jets heads to the 2016 edition of the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (Ebace 2016) this May in high spirits on the back of its Phenom 300 winning the title of world’s most delivered business jet in 2015 for the third consecutive year.

The premier event and the annual meeting place for the European business aviation community, Ebace will be held from May 24 to 26 at the Palexpo conference centre in Geneva, Switzerland.

At the event the Brazilian manufacturer will be showcasing its Phenom 100E, the Phenom 300, the Legacy 450, Legacy 550, the Legacy 650, and the Lineage 1000E.

Embraer reported that last year it delivered no less than 70 Phenom 300s to customers around the globe, making the aircraft the most-delivered business jet in the world in 2015 for the third consecutive year.

Commenting on the achievement, Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets, said: “We would like to thank our customers for their confidence and continuing relationship, which has enabled the Phenom 300 to enjoy successful acceptance worldwide since its launch. The Phenom family’s design was based on the highest industry requirements, combining the attributes of a best-in-class aircraft. To have the most-delivered business jet in the world for the third consecutive year is a true recognition that we have achieved our commitment to design game-changing products to meet operators’ needs.”

Recognised as one of the most desirable light jets by fractional programmes, charter services, corporate flight departments and owner-pilots, 320 Phenom 300s are in operation in 28 countries.

To date, the fleet has accumulated close to 300,000 flight hours. The Phenom 300 also was the most-delivered business jet in 2013 and 2014.


PHENOM 300

The Phenom 300 performs among the top light jets, with a high speed cruise of 453 knots and a six-occupant range of 1,971 nautical miles (3,650 km) with NBAA IFR (National Business Aviation Association Instrument Flight Rules) reserves. With the best climb and field performance in its class, the Phenom 300 costs less to operate and maintain than its peers. The aircraft is capable of flying at 45,000 ft (13,716 m), powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines with 3,200 pounds of thrust each.

The Phenom 300 offers a spacious cabin, designed in partnership with BMW Designworks USA, and the largest baggage compartment in its category. The largest windows in the class deliver abundant natural lighting in the cabin as well as in the private lavatory in the back of the aircraft. The comfort of the seats, with recline and full movement capability, is enhanced by the best pressurisation among light jets (6,600 ft maximum cabin altitude). The Phenom 300 features distinct temperature zones for pilots and passengers, a wardrobe and refreshment centre, voice and data communications options, and an entertainment system.

The pilot-friendly cockpit enables single-pilot operation and offers the advanced Prodigy Touch Flight Deck. The features it carries from a class above include single-point refuelling, externally serviced lavatory, and an air stair.

Meanwhile, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s 2015 worldwide year-end aircraft shipment and billing report, showed Embraer Executive Jets’ market share had grown to 17 per cent in terms of unit deliveries.

In 2015, Embraer’s Executive Jets delivered 120 aircraft, including jets in the Phenom, Legacy and Lineage families, the highest number in five years. The 120 executive jets in 2015 were up from 116 the previous year. During the fourth quarter of 2015, Embraer delivered 33 commercial and 45 business jets (25 light jets and 20 large jets) and the company ended the full year with 101 aircraft delivered to the commercial airline market and 120 to the executive aviation market (82 light and 38 large business jets). 

The total of 221 aircraft for both markets represents the highest volume of deliveries in the last five years. With such figures, Embraer said it has fulfilled its aircraft delivery guidance disclosed to the market in business aviation and delivered one aircraft above the estimated range in commercial aviation. 

On December 31, its firm order backlog was $22.5 billion.

In the executive aviation segment, the fourth quarter highlights were the first deliveries of the Legacy 450 and a contract with Emirates Flight Training Academy of the UAE, which signed a firm order for five Phenom 100E business jets, plus options for five more aircraft of the same model. In December, Embraer also delivered the first Phenom 100E to a customer in China.

Among early sales successes in 2016, the Phenom 100 was selected to provide multi-engine pilot training to armed forces aircrew in the UK. The contract with Affinity Flight Training Services will provide five aircraft to the UK Ministry of Defence’s Military Flying Training System, (UKMFTS) programme. The contract includes support services and an option for additional follow-on aircraft.


PARTNERSHIP

Among other news, Embraer Executive Jets has appointed Across as a sales representative for Embraer’s full business jet portfolio in the Mexican market.

“Embraer has established a strong presence in Mexico by supplying highly advanced aircraft for the defence and airline markets. Now, our broad and fully certified business jets portfolio is gaining momentum with Mexican customers, who desire truly innovative products that offer low operating costs, along with enhanced safety, productivity, connectivity and comfort,” said Pellegrini. “Having Across on board as a sales partner leverages our footprint in the country and highlights our commitment to the Mexican market.”

Pedro Corsi Amerlinck, CEO of Across, said: “It is an honour to be named as a sales representative for Mexico, a market with a high potential for replacement of old-generation aircraft and the need for the increased safety, efficiency and flexibility that Embraer Executive Jets’ portfolio offers. I’m happy to offer the market new and outstanding products for a unique customer experience.

Across offers air charter solutions, first-rate FBO (fixed-base operator) services and now, thanks to the new partnership, a sales or fractional ownership programme for Embraer’s portfolio, aiming to. Its modern infrastructure at Toluca International Airport, the main hub for business aviation in Mexico, includes hangars, VIP lounges, customer meeting rooms and administrative offices.

One of Brazil’s leading exporters, Embraer is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 130 seats. Embraer entered the business aviation market in 2000 with the Legacy jet, which led to the launch of Embraer Executive Jets in 2005. Its portfolio, the broadest in the market, consists of the entry-level Phenom 100E and the light Phenom 300 jet, the midsize Legacy 500 and mid-light Legacy 450, the super-midsize Legacy 600 and large Legacy 650 and the ultra-large Lineage 1000E. Embraer Executive Jets’ global fleet exceeds 975 aircraft, which are in operation in more than 60 countries and supported by a global customer support and services network.