Embraer has more than 235 firm orders for its Phenom business jets. These are part of a $1.25 billion backlog of business aircraft orders unveiled by the Brazilian manufacturer. "That is five times what it was a year ago," says Louis Carlos Affonso, senior vice-president, executive aviation.
Affonso will not break out the split in orders between the Phenom 100 very light jet (VLJ), deliveries of which are to begin in mid-2008, and the Phenom 300 light jet, which follows a year later, but says: "There are more 100s than 300s." The customers include individuals and charter operators, but no fractionals yet.
With the firm orders secured by non-refundable deposits, Embraer is planning to deliver 15-20 Phenom 100s in the first year of production, increasing to 120-150 Phenom 100s and 300s in 2009. "Our business plan was based on 100 of the two models," says Affonso.
The Brazilian manufacturer, meanwhile, expects to deliver 25-30 Legacy 600 super mid-size business jets this year, and the same again in 2007, up from 20 last year. Embraer will begin deliveries of its ultra-large Lineage 1000, based on the E-190, in 2008 with two aircraft, rising to three or four in 2009.
At the show, Embraer sold one Phenom 100, one Phenom 300 and one Legacy 600 to United Aviation, charter operator for Kipco Group of the Middle East.
■ Pratt & Whitney Canada has completed the first run of its PW617F turbofan, destined to power the Phenom 100. The PW617F development engine reached its full take-off thrust of 1,695lb (7.5kN), says P&WC.
Source: Flight International
