The Company’s newest ongoing production passes milestone event

São José dos Campos, April 18, 2007 – Embraer performed the first metal cut for the Phenom 300 executive jet, in late March, at the company’s main facility in São José dos Campos.

An automated five-axis high-speed machining center milled the aircraft’s first part – a nose landing gear fitting located in the forward fuselage. CATIA V5 software supported digital design and manufacturing simulations. Such advanced technological instruments as laser and ultra-sound are used in the quality assurance process.

“The first metal cut is another significant achievement that confirms the stead advance of the Phenom 300 program,” said Henrique Langenegger, Embraer Vice-President, Programs, Executive Jets. “This revolutionary light jet concept is becoming a reality.” The innovative Phenom 300 accommodates up to nine occupants in an executive seating layout, where the Oval Lite™ cross section provides a more spacious cabin and enhances passenger well-being.

Among the aircraft’s distinct competitive qualities are the category’s largest windows and baggage compartment (66 cubic feet or 1.87 cubic meters). At 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), the cabin atmosphere is 6,600 feet (2,012 meters), which is the lowest in this class.  The Phenom 300 leads its closest competitors, combining the best performance with the lowest operating cost. Its range of up to 1,800 nautical miles (3,334 km) and a top cruising speed of 450 knots (833 km/hour) are complemented by superior hot-and-high operations. Designed for maximum availability and utilization, the aircraft also has the longest interval between overhauls among light jets.

A feature that is exclusive to the Phenom 300 is its externally-serviced lavatory. The entrance has a unique and practical “air stair”, where the steps are built into the door, itself.  The interior offers two different temperature zones which are controlled from either the cockpit or the cabin, allowing greater pilot and passenger comfort. Smooth landings and taxiing are made possible by trailing link landing gear, coupled with an anti-skid brake-bywire system and carbon brakes. The light jet’s single-point refueling capability expedites departures and shortens turn-around time.

The Phenom 300 program has completed all critical design reviews and drawings are being released for planning the manufacturing processes and developing the necessary tooling.  The first flight is expected to take place in mid-2008 and deliveries are planned to begin in mid-2009.

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