*In Brazil... FAA Approval Expected Soon

Embraer's smallest jet has been given approval to operate in its home market... and should soon be approved for its largest market, as well. The Phenom 100 entry level executive jet received its Type Certificate from Brazil's National Civil Aviation Authority (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil – ANAC), in a ceremony held Tuesday at Embraer headquarters in São José dos Campos.

"In 2005, we promised to design and build a revolutionary jet with premium comfort, outstanding performance, docile flying qualities, and a low operating cost," said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. "We have relentlessly pursued these design goals and, now, I am thrilled to announce that the Phenom 100 has not only met all original specification targets, but has also surpassed several performance goals."

"This certification makes all of us at Embraer very proud. The Phenom 100 was conceived, developed, and certified in less than four years, which is very noteworthy," said Emilio Matsuo, Embraer's Senior Vice President, Engineering. "Furthermore, the performance figures obtained demonstrate the product's excellent design."

The Phenom 100's maximum range, originally projected to be 1,160 nautical miles, has been extended to 1,178 nautical miles with four occupants and NBAA IFR reserves. An optional enhanced take-off performance package was included in the aircraft certification, resulting in a 3,125 feet take-off field length at maximum take-off weight.  The standard take-off field length is 3,400 feet as initially specified.

For departures from airports with restrictions due to high temperatures or high elevations, or both, take-off climb performance has also surpassed the design target, providing up to 300 nautical miles extra range. Another performance improvement was achieved with the landing distance, verified to be only 2,699 feet at maximum landing weight, 301 feet shorter than initially specified.

The maximum ramp weight for the Phenom 100 in standard configuration is 10,516 lbs, with max takeoff weight of 10,472 lbs. The jet sports a 3,384 lbs useful load, with maximum usable fuel load of 2,804 lbs. Embraer adds the Phenom 100's fuel consumption rates are slightly better than originally forecast.

The flight test campaign also validated the Phenom 100's top speed of 390 knots (true air speed), 10 knots faster than initially projected. The aircraft is capable of climbing directly to its maximum cruise altitude of 41,000 feet, even at maximum take-off weight.

Certified without restrictions, the Phenom 100 is able to fly under Visual and Instrument Flight Rules conditions, day or night, and into known or forecasted icing conditions. The aircraft also operates well within Stage IV external noise requirements, establishing by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), having been certified with a cumulative margin of 33 EPNdB.

"We congratulate all Embraer teams and our partners, who made this best-in-class jet a reality, in such record-breaking time," said Affonso. "Embraer's hundreds of employees involved in the Phenom 100 program can be proud of having achieved, and even surpassed, the jet's challenging design goals. This achievement goes well beyond the certification of an aircraft. It represents a major building block for the future of Embraer Business Aviation."

Certification of the Phenom 100 by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected soon. Both the Brazilian and the US certifications will enable the Phenom 100 deliveries to begin in the coming weeks.

As of January 5, 2009, the Phenom 100 will be priced at US$ 3.18 million for FAA certification, and US$ 3.25 million for ANAC certification, both based on January 2005 economic conditions for a baseline configuration. Brought to January 2009 economic conditions, the price will be US$ 3.6 million for FAA certification and US$ 3.68 million for ANAC and EASA certifications, subject to escalation until delivery.

FMI: www.embraerexecutivejets.com