Swiss On-Demand Service JetBird Will Begin Ops In 2009

On Wednesday, Embraer announced that Geneva-based on-demand service JetBird acquired 50 Phenom 100 jets, and has placed an option for an additional 50 aircraft. The contract also allows JetBird to convert its positions into either the Phenom 100, or the larger Phenom 300.

The value of the contract is in the order of US$ 140 million at list price in January 2005 economic conditions, with a potential of reaching approximately US$ 280 million if all options are converted.

"One year ago today we launched the Phenom 100 and the Phenom 300 at a ceremony in Washington DC. We said at the time that Embraer had identified new opportunities in the business aviation segment and announced a portfolio expansion to respond to market needs," said Maurício Botelho, Embraer President and CEO. "There is a significant potential for very light and light jet products in Europe, and we are glad to offer JetBird the Phenom as the right airplane at the right time."

The Phenom 100 is expected to enter service in mid-2008 and JetBird is scheduled to take delivery of its first aircraft in April 2009 -- just as the Swiss company launches service from Zurich.

"The commercialization of JetBird’s vision is in the hands of a capable, international team of industry professionals with unparalleled sector experience," said Dómhnal Slattery, Founder and Chairman of JetBird. "We are delighted to have Embraer as a key stakeholder in our business given its exemplary track record of innovation in aircraft design and production."

With this order, JetBird becomes the European launch fleet customer for the Phenom 100, whose full-scale mock-up interior is being displayed this week, along with its sister Phenom 300 mockup, at EBACE2006 in Geneva.

FMI: www.embraerexecutivejets.com