Entry level aircraft delivered to U.S. customer
São José dos Campos, December 31, 2008 – Embraer announces that it made the first delivery of the Phenom 100 jet, on December 24, in São José dos Campos. The aircraft, which landed today in the U.S. after successfully completing its ferry flight, was recently certified by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil-ANAC) and by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
James and Elizabeth Frost, the first Phenom 100 customers, live in Houston, Texas, where Mrs. Frost runs a family partnership in real estate and mineral holdings and Mr. Frost manages new business projects. Mr. Frost has been flying since the age of 16, and Mrs. Frost, who began flying in the mountains of Colorado, is a Certified Flight Instructor and has logged several thousand hours over the last 15 years.
“The Phenom 100 is fast, easy and fun to fly. I had the most fun in years while flying it during training in Texas and while in Brazil,” said Elizabeth Frost. “We wanted a plane with which we could entertain our family and friends on quick trips between Houston and Colorado as well as to other destinations, and with plenty of baggage space. The Prodigy avionics system is really easy to operate and very friendly, always providing full situational awareness.”
“The Phenom 100 is fabulous! The high degree of automation makes it a great single-pilot jet and, as an owner/operator, I think I am already spoiled by the amazing cockpit,” said James Frost. “The Phenom 100 completes our normal mission using less fuel and in much less time than the turboprop it is replacing. We are looking forward to realizing the benefits of the advanced digital design of the aircraft in lower maintenance costs and less down time.”
Following the success of the Legacy 600, the Phenom 100 entry level jet was launched in 2005, along with the Phenom 300 light jet, confirming Embraer’s commitment to the business aviation market. In 2006, the Company introduced the Lineage 1000 ultra-large jet, which has been certified, and its deliveries will begin in early 2009. In 2008, the Legacy 500 and the Legacy 450 were launched in the midsize and midlight categories, and are scheduled to enter service in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
The design, development, certification, and first delivery of the Phenom 100 took just over three-and-a-half years, which is a distinctive achievement in the industry.
Brazilian certification was granted by the National Civil Aviation Authority (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil - ANAC), on December 9, 2008. Embraer also received ANAC’s certification (CHE) to produce the Phenom 100. EASA certification is expected for the second quarter of 2009.
A second Phenom 100 aircraft was delivered on December 29, in São José dos Campos, Brazil.