Jetbird, a startup on-demand air taxi service planning to fly initially from Zurich but with hopes to add 800 European locations, has inked a deal for 50 Embraer Phenom 100s. The $140 million contract also includes the option to purchase 50 additional aircraft over five years. The very light jet is still under development, but is expected to make first flight in mid-2007, enter service in 2008, and begin deliveries to Jetbird in 2009. Jetbird says using the Phenoms will allow it to fly frugally, charging less than 50 percent of the cheapest existing charter fees.
As reported in the July 19 AVwebBiz, Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) successfully conducted the first run of its new PW617F engine on June 29. That engine is slated to be the powerplant on the Phenom; variants are being used on the Cessna Mustang and Eclipse 500 very light jets. The Phenom 100 is currently priced at $2.85 million.
Embraer Inks Deal on Phenom VLJ
Key Takeaways:
- Jetbird, a new European on-demand air taxi service, has placed a $140 million order for 50 Embraer Phenom 100 very light jets, with an option for 50 additional aircraft.
- The service plans to operate initially from Zurich, aiming to expand to 800 European locations, and expects to offer flights at less than 50 percent of current charter fees.
- The Embraer Phenom 100, a very light jet priced at $2.85 million, is still under development with deliveries to Jetbird projected to begin in 2009.
- Its powerplant, the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F engine, successfully completed its first run on June 29.
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