Targets 100-Plane Fleet By 2013
Pan-European private airline JetBird announced this week it has
begun placing firm orders against its 50 Embraer Phenom 100 option
aircraft. JetBird has confirmed its first three option aircraft,
which brings its current fleet plans to 53. This marks the first
step towards expanding the JetBird fleet to 100 Phenom aircraft by
the end of 2013.
The Phenom 100 is a four-passenger seat jet built by Brazilian
planemaker Embraer.
As ANN reported, JetBird placed an initial
order with Embraer for 100 Phenom 100s in May 2006, split halfway
between firm orders and options.
"We are delighted to begin firming our option aircraft in
accordance with the targets set in our original business plan,"
said JetBird CEO Stefan Vilner. "Our decision reflects our
confidence in the Phenom 100 as the best aircraft in its class,
delivering high utilisation and efficiency combined with state of
the art technology and the premium comfort of a private jet.
"The Phenom’s engines, manufactured by Pratt & Whitney
Canada, are among the most fuel efficient available in the world
today and are central to ensuring that JetBird’s business
model delivers value despite rising fuel costs," Vilner added.
Slated to begin operations in 2009, JetBird aims to become
Europe's premier private jet airline, offering a private jet
experience at up to 50% less than current branded operators.
Headquartered in Ireland, JetBird will operate a fleet of Phenom
100s based at a number of centers around Europe.
"There is strong market demand for a value-oriented private jet
airline that delivers the imperatives of safety and comfort, from a
broad range of consumers, including corporate and leisure
travellers," Vilner concluded. "Our decision to begin firming our
options reflects both the strength and certainty of this demand. We
have now begun the process of expanding our fleet to 100 Phenom
aircraft in operation by the end of 2013."
Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets, Mr Luís
Carlos Affonso commented: "We are very pleased at JetBird’s
decision to begin exercising their initial purchase options for 50
Phenom 100s. JetBird, commencing operations in 2009, is our
European launch partner and our largest fleet customer in this
region. The decision to increase their firm order reflects our
belief that Phenom 100 is the best aircraft in its class and
consolidates the leading position we are building in the executive
aviation market."