Embraer has commenced the Joint Definition Phase (JDP) of its Phenom 300 light jet. The aircraft, which has a range of 1,800 nautical miles and is scheduled to enter service in mid-2009, features the Oval Lite cabin profile with appointments designed by BMW Group Designworks USA.

"The Phenom 300 is the first clean-sheet design of its category in over two decades," said Luis Carlos Affonso, Embraer's senior vp of executive aviation market.

"This collaborative initiative with our suppliers gathers another 300 engineers from Embraer, in addition to those allocated to the Phenom 100 programme and will enable to deliver best-of-breed light jets in mid-2009."

Affonso added: "We are currently seeing a high interest in VLJs and light jets in Europe and this is partly due to new transportation modes, such as fractionals and air taxi, that are available."

Embraer has announced that the US$2.75 million launch price of the Phenom 100 will be maintained through May 31 2006. Effective June 1, the price of the aircraft will be US$2.85 million for FAA certification.

"The market's response to the Phenom 100 and 300 has surpassed expectations," said Affonso. "We will continue to offer the Phenom 100 at its launch price through May of this year to extend the opportunity for more customers to experience its unequalled space and luxurious comfort," he added.

Mock-up versions of both the Phenom 100 and 300 will begin a European tour in Geneva on May 3 at EBACE. The Phenom 300 mock-up will then continue on to Berlin, Germany for the International Aerospace Exhibition; Cannes, France; and Rotterdam, Holland.

The company also reports strong demand for its Legacy 600; 19 aircraft were delivered last year and, according to Affonso, the company will be delivering 25 to 30 Legacys in 2006. The company aims to attain a 15 per cent market share by 2015.

At a recent press conference at Embraer's headquarters in Sao Jose do Campos, Brazil, Affonso hinted that the company may soon enter the market with products to compete with the offerings of long-established business aircraft manufacturers such as Dassault, Cessna and Bombardier, in other segments.