With the NBAA’s 2017 Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition set to begin on Tuesday, Embraer Executive Jets unveiled the Phenom 300E, the next step in the evolution of its best-selling light bizjet. The original Phenom 300 was introduced to the market in 2009, and since 2013 Embraer has delivered more than 400 aircraft to more than 40 countries. Now, the Brazilian manufacturer hopes the E, which stands for “Enhanced,” will follow in its footsteps, and then some.
“We are very excited to introduce the Phenom 300E which sets a new standard in value and customer experience. The Phenom 300E reflects our commitment to fascinate our customers,” said Michael Amalfitano, President and CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “With a passion for excellence, our team has been working closely with customers to bring to market yet another beautifully designed and brilliantly engineered marvel of aviation.”
Two weeks ago, at Embraer’s facility in Melbourne, Florida, Amalfitano gathered his executive team to give Flying an inside look at the development and production of the 300E. Perhaps most excited about the unveiling of this new jet was Jay Beever, Embraer’s VP of Interior Design, who eagerly showed us the cutting edge technological improvements, as well as the stylish look and feel of the passenger seats.
The 300E has been gifted with the Embraer DNA Design, which was first incorporated in the Legacy 450 and 500 midsize jets, and it’s evident from the moment you enter the cabin that this light jet was built to please. In addition to stunning personalized designs, the seats are broader and come with extendable head and feet rests for ultimate comfort. But it was the simplest idea that somehow drew the most praise: a retractable armrest built into the seat. Many business travelers will be pleased when they’re not suddenly stopped in their tracks by a bag strap caught on a traditional armrest.
As far as the tech, the 300E’s “industry-exclusive upper technology panel” offers control of everything from the lighting system’s “ambient mood selections” to flight information with the touch of a finger. Two seven-inch displays swing down from the ceiling to offer in-flight entertainment, or passengers can simply use their Bluetooth devices.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines, the Phenom 300E has a high-speed cruise of 453 knots, with a 6-passenger range of 1,971 nm. Depending on customizations, the 300E will cost around $10 million.