Embraer has outlined the timetable for taking its Phenom 100 very light jet to certification in mid-2008. The schedule will see metal cut by June of this year, final assembly of the first aircraft in the first three months of 2007 and first flight in the following quarter.
|
The Phenom 100 is due to fly next year |
Its larger light-jet sibling, the Phenom 300, is on track to complete its joint definition phase in the third quarter of this year, and enter service in mid-2009, says Luis Carlos Affonso, senior vice president for executive aviation.
The company, which wants to create a family of business jets alongside its super-mid size Legacy, is also stepping up studies into offering corporate shuttle versions of its E-170 and E-190 business jets – it believes the Middle East and Asia will be key markets – as well as further mid-size models. “We believe there is space between the 300 and Legacy for two more aircraft: a mid-light and mid-size,” says Affonso.
The Brazilian manufacturer plans to revamp its Legacy service network to accommodate the Phenoms.
Embraer, which is touring the world this year with mock ups of the Phenom jets, will also announce a training partner provider at November’s National Business Aviation Association convention. It will start series production of the Phenom 100 late next year and is targeting production of 100 aircraft a year by 2009.
Source: Flight International
