The “Phenomenal”- Embraer Phenom 300E

The Embraer Phenom 300E is a standout in the light jet category, offering a balance of performance, luxury, and advanced technology. Since its debut, the Phenom 300 series has earned a reputation for being one of the fastest and most efficient jets in its class, appealing to business travelers, private owners, and charter operators alike. The Embraer Phenom 300 began its development as part of Embraer’s expansion into the business aviation market, aiming to deliver a high-performance, light jet that combined speed, range, and cabin comfort. The aircraft was officially announced in 2005, following the success of its smaller sibling, the Phenom 100. The Phenom 300 took its first flight on April 29, 2008, piloted by John Sevalho Corção and Embraer’s chief pilot Eduardo Alves Meni, showcasing its capabilities as a versatile and efficient light jet. It received certification from the Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and the FAA in December 2009, marking its readiness for commercial operations. The improved Phenom 300E version, with enhanced avionics and a redesigned interior, was introduced in 2018, continuing the series’ legacy of innovation and performance. 

Design and Interior

The Phenom 300E offers seating for up to 10 passengers, with a typical configuration for 6-8 passengers to maximize comfort. The cabin is equipped with a flat floor, large windows, and ergonomic seats, allowing for ample legroom and natural light. The ‘E’ in Phenom 300E stands for “Enhanced,” and it is evident in the refined cabin design. The aircraft offers Embraer’s Bossa Nova design option, inspired by the rhythm and style of Brazilian culture, featuring quilted seats and luxurious finishing touches. The aircraft includes a state-of-the-art cabin management system with touch-screen controls, wireless audio and video streaming, and high-speed internet connectivity, ensuring passengers stay productive and entertained while in the air. 

Performance and Specifications

The Phenom 300E is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E1 engines, each delivering 3,478 lbs of thrust. These engines can take this aircraft up to mach 0.8 (521 mph or 839 km/h). It has a range of around 2,010 nautical miles (3,724 km). The jet’s short-field capabilities allow it to operate from airports with shorter runways, providing access to a wider range of airports and closer proximity to desired destinations. Its takeoff distance is approximately 3,209 feet and the landing distance is about 2,212 feet. 

“The Phenom 300 is ideally suited for routes within Europe and covers almost all flight routes with its maximum flight range “

Avionics and Safety Features

The Phenom 300E is equipped with the Garmin G3000-based Prodigy Touch avionics suite, featuring three large touch-screen displays for enhanced situational awareness and simplified cockpit operations. The jet includes various safety systems such as Synthetic Vision, Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II), and a Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS), a first in business aviation. The Phenom 300E is certified for single-pilot operations, making it an attractive option for owner-operators seeking the freedom to fly their own aircraft. This capability also appeals to smaller charter companies that want to keep crew costs down. 

One of the key selling points of the Phenom 300E is its competitive operating costs. Its fuel consumption is notably efficient, with a burn rate of about 160 gallons per hour. The aircraft is designed for easy maintenance, with extended intervals between scheduled maintenance checks and a focus on minimizing downtime. This makes the Phenom 300E a reliable option for frequent flyers and charter operators. In this category, the Phenom 300E competes with models like the Cessna Citation CJ4, HondaJet Elite, and Pilatus PC-24. 

The purchase price of a new Phenom 300E is around $10 million, positioning it as a high-value option in the light jet market, especially when compared to competitors like the Cessna Citation CJ4 or HondaJet Elite. But the Phenom 300E has shown strong resale value, thanks to its enduring popularity and Embraer’s reputation for quality. A pre owned model can cost between $7 million – $9 million depending on age, hours, and condition.