Two Phenom 100s have begun operations in Argentina, marking a debut for Embraer’s executive jet family in the Latin American country.
The Argentinian-registered, entry-level jets are being used for private and charter missions, says Embraer, which hopes their exposure will trigger more sales of the Phenom 100, and raise awareness of its seven-strong business jet family in the nation.
“This market is gaining momentum,” it says. “And we see more sales opportunities for pre-owned and new aircraft there.”
Embraer cites Argentina’s ageing aircraft fleet as a key reason for its optimism.“There are 170 business jets in Argentina, and 80% of this inventory is more than 10 years old,” it notes.
Embraer
Latin America is home to more than 100 Phenom 100s – from a global fleet of 340 – and the bulk of this inventory is based in Embraer’s beleaguered home market of Brazil.
“This is the region’s largest market, but the country’s political and economic situation is creating few [sales] prospects for us,” says the airframer, which is headquartered in São José dos Campos.
Meanwhile, Embraer’s service centre in Sorocaba, Brazil, has received approval fromArgentina’s civil aviation authority, ANAC,to perform maintenance on Argentinian-registered business aircraft.A similar approval for its Buenos Aires facility is imminent.
Source: Flight International
