A Look at the Embraer Phenom 100

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is set to challenge an increasingly crowded marketplace with its Very Light Jet (VLJ), the Embraer Phenom 100. It is anticipated that the availability of the Phenom 100 in mid-2008 will open up the convenience of luxury private jet ownership to a broader customer base.

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is set to challenge an increasingly crowded marketplace with its Very Light Jet (VLJ), the Embraer Phenom 100. It is anticipated that the availability of the Phenom 100 in mid-2008 will open up the convenience of luxury private jet ownership to a broader customer base.

With the many high quality airplanes with similar features available in the VLJ market, sometimes a decision on whether or not to buy a specific model comes down to delivery time, price, comfort and level of confidence in the manufacturer’s ability to provide a safe, reliable aircraft along with dependable after sales service. The competitively priced Phenom 100, which is being marketed with owner-pilots in mind, incorporates the same avionics and design features as the six-seat Phenom 300, which includes charter operators and corporate companies in its target market.

With the majority of its business being the manufacture of regional airliners and military aircraft, Embraer employs more than 17,000 people and is considered to be the fourth largest aircraft company in the world. The management and marketing team at Embraer are so confident of their ability to deliver a safe, reliable airplane that they are offering a fixed-fee maintenance agreement designed to make the maintenance of the Embraer Phenom 100 a hassle-free experience.

The BMW-designed interior of the Embraer Phenom 100 is similar to that of a conventional sized jet. The cabin is longer, taller and wider than most of its direct competitors and allows for generous legroom and a fitted refreshments cabinet. The four passenger seats are arranged facing one another in two pairs with the aisle down the middle. The fold-out tables are conveniently placed and not restrictive to passengers. The size of the main baggage hold is 45 cubic feet. Unlike many other VLJs that generally provide a curtained off porta-potty, the Phenom 100 has a conventional-style toilet with a solid door – considered by many frequent flyers to be a bonus for the comfort and dignity of passengers, especially on a long distance flight.

The initial response to the Embraer Phenom 100 has been very positive and there is every indication that this compact, yet spacious, Very Light Jet is set to make its mark in a competitive market.