Monday, March 26, 2012

Entry-Level Jet Sales To Remain Sluggish

By Kerry Lynch
Embraer is seeing signs of stabilization of the business jet market in 2012 but still no significant recovery, particularly at the lightest end of the market, executives say. Speaking to analysts during the release of its fourth-quarter results on March 21, Embraer CEO Frederico Fleury Curado says the company is still experiencing cancellations – “not more, not less” than in late 2011. But cancellations overall are still much lower than at the peak of the down cycle, he says.
Curado is encouraged by progress on the Phenom 300 light jet, which has been selected by NetJets and Flight Options for their fractional programs. “The Phenom 300 is doing quite well,” he says. But as for the Phenom 100 entry-level jet and the smallest end of the market, “We’re not seeing any signal of recovery.” Sales have been stable, though, he says.
Embraer’s executive aviation segment overall remained soft in 2011, with deliveries lower than the company originally anticipated. “2011 was a year marked by signs of continued recession, mainly echoing from Europe,” the company says.
The used market remains a drag on recovery, as does tight financing, Embraer says. The executive aviation business, which accounted for 23% of the company’s revenues in 2010, shrunk to 19% last year.
The company continues to make progress toward first flight of its Legacy 500 jet, which rolled out in December. The company last fall disclosed that a software issue with the fly-by-wire control system was delaying the first flight, originally anticipated in late 2011. Curado says the company has been conducting a number of ground tests while it works through the software issue, including ground vibration, engine run and slow- and high-speed taxi. The company is trying to accomplish “as much as we can on the ground before we fly the aircraft, which we foresee for the third quarter,” Curado says. Certification is targeted for 2013.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Phenom 300 delivery marks triple century for Embraer

Embraer has delivered the 300th Phenom business jet to an unnamed US customer.
The handover of the light-cabin Phenom 300 also marks another milestone for the Phenom family: the assembly and first flight of the initial aircraft from the company's year-old Melbourne, Florida facility - home to Phenom 100 and 300 assembly.
"The success of the Phenoms can be seen in the diversity of our customers," said Robert Knebel, Embraer Executive Jets vice president for North America sales. "These include private individuals, corporations, universities, fractional, charter, flying schools and motor racing executives. Fifty percent of the Phenom deliveries have been taken by North American customers, with Latin American operators accounting for another 30%. Europe, the Middle East and Africa account for 17%, while Asia accounts for 3% of the market."
Meanwhile, Embraer has delivered the first Czech Republic-registered Phenom 300 to charter and management company ABS Jets. The handover brings the Prague-based operator's fleet to 13 aircraft, including six Legacy 600s, one Bombardier Learjet 60XR, one Cessna Citation Bravo and four Gulfstream types. The aircraft support ABS's operations in Prague and Bratislava, Slovakia.

Friday, March 2, 2012

The Phenom 100 Market Today

The Phenom 100 is the most successful aircraft in its class and continues to outperform its competition in both performance and value. With nearly 280 aircraft in the fleet, the Phenom 100 has put the VLJ products to the test. Due to its success, the market remains strong and individuals around the world are constantly inspired to own this one of a kind airplane. In addition, with 16 conveniently located maintenance facilities in North America and a total of 34 worldwide, it is very easy to have your Phenom serviced. As this network grows, the demand for Phenom 100s will increase, giving sellers a larger buying audience.  

The number of Phenom 100s “for sale” has declined over the past 6 months which indicates this market is trending in a positive direction for Phenom owners. In September of 2011 there were 25 Phenom 100s for sale. However, today there are only 17 on the market. This is a huge reduction in the available inventory and a good indication that the market is beginning to make a comeback. With only 9% of the total fleet for sale and demand increasing, I expect to see this trend to continue. In general, this level of market saturation is considered to be very healthy; good news to those owners and operators out there who were previously worried about their aircraft value. The average asking prices for these aircraft are $3,158,909, which is up 3% from September, 2011 and the number of potential buyers has increased. With all of this said, I believe that the Phenom 100 will continue to stand its ground against competition and the market will remain strong. 

If you would like to discuss the market in depth or receive a free evaluation of your aircraft, please feel to contact me at your convenience via email at rob@wepushtin.com or phone at 773-272-6635.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

First Medevac Version of the Phenom 300

São Paulo, Brazil, February 29, 2012 - Embraer delivers the first Medevac version of the Phenom 300 jet to Amil Resgate Saúde, today. The aircraft, with tail number PP-UTI, which was transformed into a veritable flying ICU (UTI, in Portuguese), is the 100th Embraer executive jet to be delivered in Brazil.

"With this modern aircraft, we can offer the unique and excellent services highly recommended and reflected by the satisfaction of our clients," adds Jorge Ferreira da Rocha, President of Amil Assistência Médica Internacional.

"The delivery of Embraer's 100th executive jet in Brazil to meet Amil's challenging operational requirements makes this event even more important," says Breno Corrêa, Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Latin America - Embraer Executive Jets. "The rapid growth of the Brazilian executive jet market is a sign of maturity. More and more business people see this product as a powerful tool for productivity - a true time-saver - that helps generate wealth for the company using it and for the nation, as a whole."

Embraer was responsible for installing all of the equipment on the aircraft, which included a new interior design and assembly, and additional certification by aviation authorities. The current cabin configuration provides horizontal space for a stretcher, and four seats for the medical team and companion, as well as a private aft lavatory. All of the seats rotate, to facilitate reaching the patient and carrying out any necessary medical procedures during the flight.

About the Phenom 300 Medevac

The Phenom 300 was granted supplementary type certification, and the special medical rescue equipment package was installed. It has a ten-hour independent oxygen supply and 1,000 watts of power for running state-of-the-art medical equipment: monitor, defibrillator, pace-maker, oximeter, ventilator, infusion pumps, and transportation incubator. The jet can be used on calls for distances of more than 300 km, and for more serious cases, thus providing patents with comfort and safety. This modern aircraft stands out for its high cruising speed (839 km per hour), for its ability to operate on short runways, and for its spacious interior. With its range of 3,650 kilometers, nonstop flights can be made from the base, in São Paulo, to any Brazilian capital city, and to a few cities outside the country, like Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Santiago (Chile). The new version of the Phenom 300 is equipped with the traditional Patient Loading Utility System™ (PLUS) manufactured by LifePort, which is one of the largest companies in the world for customizing Medevac aircraft. This complete system unites electrical, mechanical and gas-powered components to provide greater safety and efficiency for loading, unloading and accommodating the patient, without interfering with the jet's functions. There are independent points of entry for electricity, so that the system runs without impacting the aircraft's electrical systems; the stretcher locks into place, for greater safety, especially during turbulence; and 10 hours of oxygen support. Other distinctive characteristics of the aircraft include its agility and speed, but with fuel economy. The jet has the highest pressurization level in the light category, which is an important point for patients who need to remain as close to sea-level conditions as possible. The entry door of the airplane is the largest in its segment, facilitating loading and removing the patient. Features that make the jet an excellent option for Medevac operations are its comfortable and spacious cabin. Furthermore, the capability of operating on short runways allows access to many places in Brazil and in other countries, offering greater flexibility for using the airplane.