The Embraer Phenom 100, a Very Light Jet (VLJ), experienced its maiden flight in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil much to the delight of their first customer, JetBird AG (JetBird).
 
The flight lasted a little over an hour and a half and included many maneuvers to ensure all systems and operations checked out, which they did. This brief maiden flight will be followed by a longer full-systems test, complete with static and fatigue trials for the purpose of qualifying for Brazil's national Civil Aviation Agency certification.

Once that milestone is achieved, the Embraer Phenom 100 will apply for the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority certification, after which it will begin service sometime in 2008. It is expected to become European Aviation Safety certified in the beginning of 2009, and then Jetbird's orders of the Phenom 100 will be filled.
 
The Embraer Phenom 100 gained the status of best-in-class during its release in May 2005. Jetbird has already committed to 50 orders of the VLJ-aircraft with an option for 50 more orders.
 
"This is a key milestone for Embraer and a very special and rewarding moment for the entire Embraer team," commented Mr Frederico Fleury Curado, "When we unveiled the Phenom jets a little more than two years ago, we asserted to the business aviation community our commitment to be a long term player in the executive aviation market. The first flight of the Phenom 100 confirms this commitment and constitutes another step in Embraer's strategy to serve our customers with a product line that spans the market."
 
Mr Stefna Vilner, the CEO of Jetbird, remarked "As expected, the Phenom's first flight was on schedule and successful. As European launch customer, we look forward to receiving the first European certified Phenom 100 in April 2009."
 
Vilner continued, "JetBird's choice of the Phenom 100 reflects its position as the premium aircraft in its category offering best-in-class comfort, space and passenger facilities. Embraer have a proven track record of designing and manufacturing commercial aircraft. The application of this experience to the Phenom family of aircraft means that the Phenom 100 has lower operating costs, higher utilization capability and higher residual value than all other aircraft in its class."
 
Vilner ends by stating, "Each of these factors underpins JetBird's low cost usiness model and the ability to offer a premium service at a significantly lower price point than existing private jet operators."
 
JetBird plans to begin operations in April 2009, after which it will become one of Europe's first genuine low-cost jet companies. With the rise of demand for jet travel, JetBird hopes to provide an opportunity to enjoy jet flight at a price more affordable for lower level executives.