At the recent EBACE convention in Geneva, Embraer showcased two of its aircraft models tailored for the European market: the Praetor 600, a super-midsize jet, and the Phenom 300E, a light jet. According to Ricardo Carvalhal, Embraer’s director of sales engineering, the company’s decision to highlight these models was strategic, reflecting their suitability for European operators.
Carvalhal detailed the impressive performance of the Phenom 300E, emphasizing its dominance in its segment. “The 300 is the best-selling jet for 12 years in the segment. And an interesting fact that we observed last year: it became the most-flown jet in the U.S. in the trailing 12 months. In the previous year, it became the airplane that had the most takeoffs and landings,” he explained to BJT. He highlighted the aircraft’s substantial usage, with “More than 360,000 flight hours over 12 months, which made it the most flown business jet in the U.S.—an extremely successful product from that perspective.”
Turning to the Praetor 600, Carvalhal noted its appeal for European operators, particularly due to its considerable range. “The Praetor 600 has a range of about nine hours that is perfect for the European scenario, connecting London to New York [and] London to Dubai, which are very important city pairs for the region,” he remarked.
Amidst ongoing industry speculation about a potential expansion in Embraer’s aircraft lineup, Carvalhal maintained a measured stance. “Embraer historically always is trying to find new ways of disrupting new segments, finding new business opportunities. We actively study all opportunities in the market, be it above what we do, be it under what we do, in terms of aircraft size. But at this moment, we have no announcements to make,” he stated, leaving the door open to future developments without committing to specifics.
This focus on versatility and market adaptation underscores Embraer’s ongoing strategy to meet diverse operational demands while considering future growth avenues in aviation technology.