For the last three years, Embraer has had a mock-up of the Phenom 100 jet at its exhibit at Sun ‘n Fun.
This year, an actual jet was at the show.
Deliveries of the Phenom 100, which was certified by the FAA in December 2008, have just begun. So far, 12 jets have been delivered, all in the United States. The first delivery went to a couple in Houston, Betsy and James Frost. The couple, who took delivery in late December, have since put more than 80 hours on the jet, taking turns flying PIC, according to Clint Clouatre, senior manager of marketing for Embraer Executive Jets.
“That jet is constantly flying,” he said.
Deliveries also have begun to fleet customers, including Executive AirShare, a fractional company based in Kansas City, Mo., which took delivery of its first Phenom 100 earlier this month. The fractional company has ordered 44 Phenom 100s and six Phenom 300s. Certification of the Phenom 300 is expected towards the end of the year.
Order backlog for both jets is 800, from customers in 44 countries around the world, Clouatre noted.
Meanwhile, the company expects to begin construction this summer on its production facility in Melbourne, Florida. The plant, which will have final assembly facilities, a paint booth and more, is expected to employ more than 200 people by the end of 2011.
For more information: Embraer.com.
