Embraer is building up the support network for its expanding business jet range, investing $40 million in four service centres, and signing a joint venture with aviation training provider CAE to offer pilot and ground crew training for the Phenom 100 and 300 very-light and light jets. The Brazilian manufacturer will build service operations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Mesa, Arizona and Windsor Locks, Connecticut as well as a new European centre at Le Bourget, Paris. All four will be completed before the Phenom 100 enters service in mid-2008. Orlando, Florida-based SimCom, meanwhile, is to provide factory-authorised training for the next-generation Pilatus PC-12 turboprop single when it enters service in 2008, and for the PiperJet very light jet, when it enters service in 2010.
Source: Flight International
