NetJets Europe has unveiled its Signature series Phenom 300 jet during a debut tour across select markets in Europe. It follows on from the first Embraer aircraft which was delivered to the operator's US fleet in May 2013, and will be showcased over a three-month period culminating in a 2014 delivery.

“We are delighted to unveil the new NetJets Signature series Phenom 300 as part of the demonstration tour across Europe,” says sales director Marine Eugene. “With recent reports stating that the Eurozone has edged out of recession and witnessing some early signs of market improvement, we are confident that customers will be very excited with what this aircraft adds to the NetJets Europe offer. We have already pre-sold a full aircraft's worth of shares.”

The Phenom is part of a US$17.6bn plan that NetJets Inc has in place to rejuvenate its entire fleet of aircraft, with 670 new aircraft over the next 10 years.

“The Phenom 300 redefines what's possible in a light jet,” Eugene adds. “On board, customers will experience superior comfort including spacious legroom and headroom, dual climate zones, and the largest windows in its class. Its range, speed and reliability are among the best available, while its cabin offers comfort and amenities usually found only on larger aircraft. The combination of high performance and thoughtful design makes the Phenom 300 a uniquely capable aircraft, with its range rivalling that of a midsize jet.”

For Eugene, it is the attention to detail on the Phenom that is especially satisfying: “The galley is very large and there is a window in the lavatory. This helps, especially when doing some last minute make-up before landing! The luggage compartment is bigger than any other aircraft in this category.”

For a light jet, the Phenom 300 is regarded as quite roomy, with space for up to seven passengers, or more commonly six. It is possible to fly from London to southern Spain non-stop, or even as far as Turkey. Small airfield operation is also possible. Eugene believes the jet is a dynamic entry level into a market segment that has truly felt the effects of the economic downturn.

NetJets has made a firm order for 100 Challengers, with options for an additional 175. Added to these are 150 Citation Latitudes, as part of the rejuvenated fleet.

Eugene reveals that in the next ten years the operator expects to take up to 10 Phenom 300 in Europe alone. These are aimed at clientele currently travelling in either a Bravo or a Hawker 400. Eugene senses enormous European potential for the latest aircraft type: “I'm very excited about having the Phenom in Europe, because if you take markets like the UK, Germany and France, these are very much light jet oriented markets. In Germany up to 50 per cent of the operational fleet is actually composed of light jet aircraft, so this is a really good market offer for us.

“But one size never fits all, and that is why NetJets has remained indepen-dent from any manufacturers.” NetJets does not anticipate offering an even lighter option at this stage: “A very light jet doesn't fit with us. People are trying to bring down the entry level but it just doesn't fit with what we're trying to do. We are not a local operator with a locally based client. In terms of scale and capacity what we do requires a lot of space.”

Elsewhere, NetJets is enhancing the safety features on its long range Signature series aircraft by partnering with Remote Diagnostic Technologies and equipping the fleet with the Tempus IC medical device. This is a lightweight, compact telemedicine device that uses onboard satellite communication capability to connect to a doctor on the ground in the event of a medical emergency. It also offers onboard diagnostics. NetJets' Global coo Bill Noe says: “The Tempus device provides a virtual 24/7/365 doctor for our passengers and crew members, particularly when they may not be within close range of a suitable medical emergency landing site.”