VLJ's New Pricing Goes Into Effect In June

Representatives with Brazilian jetmaker Embraer told Aero-News this week that if customers want one of the manufacturer's upcoming Phenom 100 Very Light Jets, they now have until May 31, 2006 to secure their slot at the announced launch price of $2.75 million. As of June 1, the price will go up $100,000.

"The market’s response to the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 has surpassed our expectations," said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Senior Vice–President, Executive Aviation Market. "We will continue to offer the Phenom 100 at its launch price through May of this year to extend the opportunity for more customers to experience its unequaled space and luxurious comfort."

A cabin mockup of the Phenom 100 was on display last week at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport for the recent Sun 'N Fun Fly-In. Both the Phenom 100 and larger Phenom 300 mock-ups will begin a European tour in Geneva on May 3, at the European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE). The Phenom 300 mock-up will then continue on to Berlin, Germany, for the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA 2006); Cannes, France, and Rotterdam, Holland.

Introduced at last year's NBAA Conference in Orlando, FL (below), the Phenom 100 and the Phenom 300 jets are designed to offer best-in-class comfort, outstanding performance and low operating costs. Both aircraft will offer pilots and passengers the comfort and style unseen in their categories, including a relaxed ambience enhanced by the size of the generous windows and the most ample cabin in their class.

Onboard conveniences include a wardrobe or refreshment center, an aft cabin private lavatory with toiletry cabinet, and satellite communications. The Phenom 100 will comfortably accommodate four passengers in a typical club seat configuration. The aircraft will be able to fly up to 1,160 nautical miles (NBAA IFR reserves [35 min], with a 100 nm alternate), at altitudes up to 41,000 ft. The Phenom 100 is expected to enter service in mid-2008.

The Phenom 300 jet will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW535E engines, with 3,200 pounds of thrust each. With accommodations for up to nine people, its range will be 1,800 nautical miles (NBAA IFR reserves with 100 nm alternate) with six persons onboard, and it will have a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.78. The airplane is also designed for short field takeoff performance and is capable of flying at 45,000 feet (13,700 meters). The Phenom 300 is expected to enter service in mid-2009 and be priced at US$ 6.65 million based on 2005 economic conditions.

FMI: www.embraerexecutivejets.com