After a couple of years of slowed production numbers, Embraer is experiencing healthy growth of its executive jet products. The Brazilian business and commercial jet producer delivered nearly twice the number of light jets in the third quarter compared with last year. Twenty-five light jets were delivered, more than half of which were Phenom 300s. That makes 66 Embraer airplanes in the light jet category for the year, an increase of 20 airplanes over the same period last year.
Embraer introduced new interiors for the Phenoms this year, designed in partnership with BMW, with several seating configurations to choose from. Newly introduced optional rear seats now move forward and aft and swivel. Another new option available for the Phenom 300 is the Garmin G3000 touchscreen-equipped Prodigy Touch panel.
While the Phenom 100 and 300 are quite different, Embraer is working on a single type rating for the two airplanes, a consolidation that would help charter operators with multiple types in their fleets.
Embraer is also making progress on the highly anticipated Legacy 450 and 500 midsize jets. The company hopes to deliver the first Legacy 500 by the middle of next year, with the 450, which is identical with exception of the size of the fuselage, to follow. The fly-by-wire equipped jets will hold a common type rating.
Despite a very strong total backlog of $17.8 billion and a firm order backlog of 396 commercial jets, there has been a drop in commercial deliveries this year. By this time in 2012, Embraer had delivered 83 commercial jets. This year that number is only up to 58.
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