Expands Options For Bizjet Operators

Embraer celebrated the opening of its 47,700 square-foot hangar Monday at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, AZ. The new facility is dedicated to full-service care for the planemaker's Phenom 100, Phenom 300, Legacy 450, Legacy 500 and Legacy 600 executive jets.

"The grand opening of this service center reinforces Embraer’s long-term commitment to providing a full-service support network for its growing fleet of executive jets in North America and signals its readiness for the Phenom 100 to enter service," said Edson Carlos Mallaco, Embraer Vice President, Customer Support and Services, Executive Jets. "The Mesa facility is part of the Company’s investment of over $100 million in the infrastructure and organization needed to ensure convenient and efficient support and services to its executive jets customers."

The new facility consists of a hangar, workshops and office space, for an estimated investment of US $10 million. Embraer aims to create approximately 60 jobs over the next five years; by the end of September, the company's first hires are slated to complete training for servicing the Phenom 100.

"What an exciting day for the City of Mesa, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, and the entire region, as Embraer officially opens its new service center," said Scott Smith, Chairman of the PMGAA Board of Directors and Mayor of Mesa. "This is exactly the type of company we want at the airport and in our community -- a globally-recognized aerospace leader with a track record of success."

Partners in the Embraer project include the State of Arizona, the City of Mesa, and the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority.

The executive jets service center network owned and operated by Embraer in the country will soon include locations at Ft. Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Bradley International Airport (BDL). Ribbon cutting ceremonies for Florida and Connecticut will also take place this fall.

Each facility will be capable of providing full-service aircraft care, including routine inspection, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and airframe, engine, avionics, and other systems repairs, 24/7 assistance, Aircraft On Ground (AOG) mobile rescue teams, and an inventory of expendable and repairable parts. Services may also include painting and interior refurbishments.

Embraer’s authorized service center network in the US is comprised of 24 locations and spans 18 states. By the end of 2008, Embraer will have seven wholly-owned facilities -- four in the US -- and 38 authorized service centers worldwide.

FMI: www.embraerexecutivejets.com