Fraction Ownership Groups In US, Ireland Sign For VLJ

Embraer announced at EBACE 2007 this week it has signed two orders, for a combined 11 of its upcoming Phenom 100 very-light-jets.

The Brazilian planemaker signed a purchase agreement for seven Phenom 100s, and options on seven more, with US fractional aircraft ownership company Executive AirShare, of Kansas City, MO. The total value of the agreement, at list price, is US$ 19.95 million, based on January 2005 economic conditions, and can double if all options are exercised.

"Embraer is very pleased with Executive AirShare's choice of the Phenom 100 and is happy to offer the right-sized solution for the company's business, as it expands its fleet," said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. "The Phenom 100's stylish design offers the comfort that passengers expect and will serve Executive AirShare and its owners very nicely. We look forward to a mutually successful relationship."

Delivery of the first jet is scheduled for mid-2010.

"The Phenom 100 is the largest and most capable of all of the VLJ offerings and we look forward to adding this aircraft to our fleet," said Robert D. Taylor, CEO of Executive AirShare. "Our owners will appreciate the speed, range, cabin layout, comfort, and luggage-carrying capabilities of the Phenom 100."

Founded in 2001, Executive AirShare currently operates a fleet of 12 aircraft. The company is based at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, in Kansas City, MO. and provides services throughout the central United States.

Embraer and Premier Aviation also signed a contract for four Phenom 100 jets at EBACE 2007. Deliveries will begin in 2009. The value of the contract is US$ 11.4 million, based on January 2005 economic conditions.

"We see this new contract with Premier Aviation as yet another confirmation that the cabin size will be a key differential for both Very Light and Light Jet markets," said Luis Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. "We are excited about the good reception of the Phenom family in Europe and we wish Premier Aviation great success with the Phenom 100."

Premier Aviation's Phenom 100 will be configured with four seats and a fully-enclosed lavatory. The aircraft will be available for both fractional ownership and conventional charter operations.

"We considered several very light jets before making the decision to opt for the Phenom 100," said Alan Nee, Premier Aviation's Managing Director. "We placed the emphasis on cabin comfort and customer support and reached the conclusion that the Embraer product was the best in its class in both criteria."

Premier Aviation is located in Leixlip, County Kildare, Ireland, and was created in 1995. The company is specialized in management and sales of both helicopters and jets. Premier Aviation also offers lease-back service to private owners. Premier Aviation's current fleet consists of a mix of helicopters and jets.

FMI: www.embraer.com, www.execairshare.com, www.premieraviation.ie