Embraer Executive Jets handed over the 400th Phenom 300 on Friday afternoon from its Melbourne, Florida facility. The milestone light jet, S/N 400, went to EliteJets, a new Naples, Florida-based air charter firm that plans to start on-demand service next month. EliteJets also took delivery of another Phenom 300, S/N 403, on the same day, bringing its all-Embraer fleet to four of the light jets and one Legacy 500.
âWe are honored by EliteJetsâ selection of Embraer aircraft and services to build its brand-new fleet. The Phenom 300 and the Legacy 500 deliver comfort, performance and low operating costs,â said Embraer Executive Jets president and CEO Michael Amalfitano. âWe are confident that the aircraft will deliver solid business performance to EliteJets.â
EliteJets founder and CEO Daniel Randolphâwho made his fortune by founding, and later selling, Personalization Mallâtold AIN that he decided to get into the air charter game after his personal experiences in flying charter. âMost charter outfits are using old airplanes, and it's outrageous what is being charged to fly on newer aircraft such as Phenom 300s,â he said. âWe can do better.â
The first Phenom 300 rolled off the production line in December 2009, and the light jet has been the best-selling business aircraft for the past four years. All Phenoms are now being assembled at the companyâs Melbourne facility.