Embraer Executive Jets recorded a 14% fall in revenues in 2017, as a result of an "unfavourable mix of aircraft deliveries". Although its performance is forecast to remain flat throughout 2018, the Brazilian airframer is upbeat about its prospects, as the market starts to turn a corner.
Speaking on a fourth-quarter earnings call on 8 March, Embraer chief executivePaulo Cesar de Souza e Silva said the business aircraft industry was under "huge pressure" in 2017, but is now seeing signs of a "smooth" recovery.
He says three big drivers are contributing to a stronger market and creating opportunities for the division: the shrinking inventory of used aircraft, which is helping to firm up prices of new models; favourable tax reforms in the USA; and that country's strengthening economy.
For the 12 months ended 31 December, the division posted revenue of $1.48 billion from a delivery output of 109 aircraft. This comprised 72 Phenom 100/300 light jets and 37 large-category Legacy 450/500/650s and Lineage 1000Es. This compares with revenues of $1.73 billion in 2016 and 117 business aircraft shipments: 73 light and 44 large jets.
Embraer
Embraer is targeting sales of between $1.35 billion and $1.50 billion in 2018 on deliveries of 70-80 light jets and 35-45 large jets, including a clutch of model upgrades.
The Brazilian airframer is now putting the final touches to the first E-model variant of the Phenom 300 – which features a significantly updated cabin – at its US facility in Melbourne, Florida, in preparation for its handover in late March to an unnamed South African owner.
Embraer is also poised to begin delivering this month the first Legacy 450s and 500s with a reduced cabin altitude of 5,800ft – 200ft (60m) lower than their predecessor – when flying at an altitude of 45,000ft. The midsize pair will also feature restyled passenger seats as standard from June.
The company ended 2017 with an order backlog valued at $777 million.
Source: Flight International
