Entry Level Aircraft Delivered To US Customer

Embraer has made their first delivery of a Phenom 100 jet, on Christmas Eve, in São José dos Campos. The aircraft, which landed on New year's Eve in the U.S. after successfully completing its ferry flight, was recently certified by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and by the FAA.

“What an exciting day! This is what we have been working towards, since May 2005, when we launched the Phenom 100,” said Luís Carlos Affonso(pictured below on the flight deck), Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. “It is truly an honor to deliver the first Phenom 100 to Jim and Betsy Frost, who have been with us since day one, not only as customers, but also as invaluable contributors on the program advisory board.”

James and Elizabeth Frost, the first Phenom 100 customers, live in Houston, Texas, where Mrs. Frost runs a family partnership in real estate and mineral holdings and Mr. Frost manages new business projects. Mr. Frost has been flying since the age of 16, and Mrs. Frost, who began flying in the mountains of Colorado, is a Certified Flight Instructor and has logged several thousand hours over the last 15 years.

“The Phenom 100 is fast, easy and fun to fly. I had the most fun in years while flying it during training in Texas and while in Brazil,” said Elizabeth Frost (pictured below). “We wanted a plane with which we could entertain our family and friends on quick trips between Houston and Colorado as well as to other destinations, and with plenty of baggage space. The Prodigy avionics system is really easy to operate and very friendly, always providing full situational awareness.”

“The Phenom 100 is fabulous! The high degree of automation makes it a great single-pilot jet and, as an owner/operator, I think I am already spoiled by the amazing cockpit,” said James Frost. “The Phenom 100 completes our normal mission using less fuel and in much less time than the turboprop it is replacing. We are looking forward to realizing the benefits of the advanced digital design of the aircraft in lower maintenance costs and less down time.”

Following the success of the Legacy 600, the Phenom 100 entry level jet was launched in 2005, along with the Phenom 300 light jet, confirming Embraer’s commitment to the business aviation market. In 2006, the Company introduced the Lineage 1000 ultra-large jet, which has been certified, and its deliveries will begin in early 2009. In 2008, the Legacy 500 and the Legacy 450 were launched in the midsize and midlight categories, and are scheduled to enter service in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

The design, development, certification, and first delivery of the Phenom 100 took just over three-and-a-half years, which is a distinctive achievement in the industry. Brazilian certification was granted by the National Civil Aviation Authority (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil - ANAC), on December 9, 2008. Embraer also received ANAC’s certification (CHE) to produce the Phenom 100. EASA certification is expected for the second quarter of 2009.

A second Phenom 100 aircraft was delivered on December 29, in São José dos Campos, Brazil. About the Phenom 100 Premium comfort, outstanding performance and low operating costs are key design drivers of the Phenom 100 best-in-class jet. The aircraft will offer pilots and passengers unprecedented comfort and style in its category. Developed in partnership with BMW Group DesignworksUSA, the innovative interior design and relaxing ambience are enhanced by generous windows and the most ample cabin in its class.

The Phenom 100 was introduced by Embraer, in 2005, accommodating four passengers in a club seat configuration. The rear baggage compartment has a capacity of 55 cubic feet, sufficient for transporting golf and ski bags and equipment. Additional storage space in the aircraft nose and interior wardrobes add up to 16 cubic feet, totaling 71 cubic feet) throughout the jet.

Based on Garmin’s all-glass, fully-integrated avionics suite, the Prodigy® flight deck offers three interchangeable 12-inch displays – two Primary Flight Displays (PFD) and one Multi-Function Display (MFD). The system integrates all primary flight, navigation, communication, terrain, traffic, weather, engine instrumentation, and crew-alert data, and presents the composite information on these three brilliant, sunlight-readable color highdefinition screens.

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F-E engines power the jet, with 1,695 pounds of thrust each. Its range with four occupants is 1,178 nautical miles with NBAA IFR reserves (35 minutes of holding and 100 nm alternate). The aircraft is capable of flying at 41,000 feet, attained by a direct climb, even when fully loaded. In addition, the Phenom 100 is designed to perform short-field takeoffs or landings and to fly at a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.70, or 390 knots (TAS). Embraer boasts that these characteristics allow customers to fly nonstop from New York to Miami, and from Los Angeles to Vancouver or Denver at a lower cost than competitive aircraft, including turboprops. As of January 5, 2009, the Phenom 100, in a baseline configuration, will be priced at US$ 3.6 million for FAA certification, US$ 3.65 million for ANAC certification and US$ 3.68 million for EASA certification. 

FMI: www.EmbraerExecutiveJets.com