Embraer Makes 1st Delivery of Phenom 100 Executive Jet

Entry level aircraft delivered to U.S. customer

(Sao Jose dos Campos, December 31, 2008) -- Embraer announces that it made the first delivery of the Phenom 100 jet, on December 24, in Sao Jose dos Campos. The aircraft, which landed today in the U.S. after successfully completing its ferry flight, was recently certified by Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil- ANAC) and by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"What an exciting day! This is what we have been working towards, since May 2005, when we launched the Phenom 100," said Luis Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. "It is truly an honor to deliver the first Phenom 100 to Jim and Betsy Frost, who have been with us since day one, not only as customers, but also as invaluable contributors on the program advisory board."

James and Elizabeth Frost, the first Phenom 100 customers, live in Houston, Texas, where Mrs. Frost runs a family partnership in real estate and mineral holdings and Mr. Frost manages new business projects. Mr. Frost has been flying since the age of 16, and Mrs. Frost, who began flying in the mountains of Colorado, is a Certified Flight Instructor and has logged several thousand hours over the last 15 years.

"The Phenom 100 is fast, easy and fun to fly. I had the most fun in years while flying it during training in Texas and while in Brazil," said Elizabeth Frost. "We wanted a plane with which we could entertain our family and friends on quick trips between Houston and Colorado as well as to other destinations, and with plenty of baggage space. The Prodigy avionics system is really easy to operate and very friendly, always providing full situational awareness."

"The Phenom 100 is fabulous! The high degree of automation makes it a great single-pilot jet and, as an owner/operator, I think I am already spoiled by the amazing cockpit," said James Frost. "The Phenom 100 completes our normal mission using less fuel and in much less time than the turboprop it is replacing. We are looking forward to realizing the benefits of the advanced digital design of the aircraft in lower maintenance costs and less down time."

Source : Embraer - click here for more information