FLL Facility Joins Connecticut, Arizona Centers

For a company that had little-to-no presence in the business aircraft market just three short years ago, Embraer continues to go all-in with its plans to rival industry giants like Cessna and Bombardier. The Brazilian planemaker cut the ribbon Monday at its third company-owned executive jet service center in the United States.

Located at Ft. Lauderdale -Hollywood International Airport (FLL), the 55,500-square-foot facility will provide full-service care for the existing Legacy 600 business jet... as well as the upcoming Phenom 100, Phenom 300, Legacy 450, and Legacy 500 aircraft. Embraer recently christened two other US facilities, located at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, AZ.

"These three new company-owned service centers are strategically located to offer greater customer convenience for full product support and services, including parts inventory," said Edson Carlos Mallaco, Embraer Vice President, Customer Support and Services, Executive Jets. "With this facility, which will provide comprehensive support for our Phenom and Legacy customers in Southeastern US, Embraer achieves its goal of having seven wholly-owned service centers in operation, worldwide, in 2008."

Embraer's executive jet service centers consist of a hangar, workshops and office space. They offer full aircraft service, including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance; 24/7 technical assistance and parts, airframe, engine, avionics, and other system repairs; Aircraft On Ground (AOG) mobile rescue teams; and an inventory of expendable and repairable parts. The Fort Lauderdale facility will have an additional 7,500 square feet (697 square meters) of office space.

Embraer expects each of the three new centers to create approximately 60 jobs over the next five years.

"I welcome the success and positive economic impact that is sure to come from this expansion," said Governor Charlie Crist. "Embraer’s presence in Florida is testimony to our dedication and commitment to strengthening the local and state economy."

The Embraer executive jet service center in Fort Lauderdale is part of a local investment of approximately US$ 17 million, which also includes a spare parts distribution center for the Commercial Aviation division of the Company, and overall infrastructure improvements throughout the Embraer campus, which currently has another four buildings and about 280 employees.

FMI: www.embraerexecutivejets.com