When Embraer announced the formation of Embraer Executive Jets and the launch of its Phenom 100 very light jet and Phenom 300 light jet programs, there were at least a half-dozen competing programs already in various stages of development. Today, only two very light jets from that group–Cessna’s Citation Mustang and the Eclipse 500 from Eclipse Aviation–are in service. The Phenom 100 is expected to join them in the coming weeks.
According to Embraer market intelligence chief Cláudio Galdo Camelier, in the runup to the show there remained only paperwork validating the Phenom 100’s Eaton flap actuator software and certification of seats from new primary suppliers Goodrich (pilots) and DeCrane (passengers), with customer deliveries expected to begin next month. Goodrich and DeCrane had been secondary sources of the Phenom 100 seats but were appointed as primary suppliers several months ago, according Embraer, to ensure on-time delivery of the first aircraft.
