Embraer Announces Delivery Forecast

Embraer’s market outlook sees demand for 11,115 business jets over the next 10 years. With most pundits predicting boom years ahead for business aviation that figure may come as little surprise, but it’s the very light jet (VLJ) market where analysts are most at odds. That said, the company is projecting delivery of 2,715 of its VLJs between 2008 and 2016, and lists current orders at more than 340. The number includes both the six-seat Phenom 100 and the eight-seat Phenom 300. (Some may disagree with Embraer’s perception that the 300 fits the true spirit of the “very” light jet movement.) The smaller Phenom 100 might itself be a class leader when it comes to amenities that include a “refreshment center,” a lavatory and high (relative) cabin volume … and at $2.85 million per copy, the aircraft might also have the high price (and runway length requirements) to match. Deliveries of the Phenom 100, which was announced in May 2005, are expected to begin in the second half of 2008. Embraer estimates delivery of 195 to 205 business aircraft for that year, including up to 20 Phenom 100s.