Embraer, a global leader in the aviation and defense industry (listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: ERJ and on the Brazilian Stock Exchange under the symbol: EMBR3), announced the signing of an agreement with Flexjet, a global leader in private aviation, for the purchase of a fleet of Embraer business jets. This includes Praetor 600, Praetor 500, and Phenom 300E models, along with an enhanced range of services and support.
The agreement includes a firm order for 182 aircraft, with options for an additional 30 aircraft, effectively doubling Flexjet’s fleet over the next five years.
This order, valued at approximately $7 billion based on current list prices, is the largest in Flexjet’s three-decade history and the largest-ever order for Embraer’s executive aviation division. It underscores Flexjet’s ongoing commitment to expanding its strategic partnership and incorporating Praetor and Phenom 300E aircraft into its growing global portfolio.
Michael Amalfitano, President and CEO of Embraer Executive Aviation, expressed pride in Flexjet’s renewed commitment to Embraer through this agreement, which strengthens a partnership that has spanned more than 20 years. He added: “We are excited to see more Flexjet customers enjoying our leading Phenom and Praetor aircraft.”
The Embraer-Flexjet partnership began in 2003 when Flight Options, which merged with Flexjet in 2015, introduced the Legacy executive jet to its fractional ownership program. Since then, the partnership has grown significantly, with the Praetor 600, Praetor 500, and Phenom 300E now integral to Flexjet’s global fleet.
Michael Silvestro, CEO of Flexjet, highlighted the importance of extending this long-standing partnership as the company celebrates its 30th anniversary. He noted that Flexjet has taken delivery of over 150 Embraer aircraft since 2003. Silvestro added: “The Praetor 500 and 600 have proven highly effective in our fleet, and the Praetor 600 has been particularly well-received in Europe. We incorporated it into our North American fleet in 2023, expanding Embraer’s presence across two continents. As the first fractional operator of the Praetor 500, our maintenance teams and pilots have deep expertise with this aircraft, and we look forward to the continued growth of this fleet.”
Flexjet was the launch customer for three of Embraer’s key products, beginning with the Legacy Executive in 2003, the Phenom 300 in 2010, and the Legacy 450 in 2016, followed by the Praetor 500/600 in 2019. Flexjet has also helped Embraer achieve significant milestones, including the delivery of the 100th Phenom 300 in 2012 and the 1,000th Embraer executive aircraft, a Legacy 500, in 2016.
These aircraft have achieved notable success in their categories. The Phenom 300 has been the world’s best-selling light business jet for 12 consecutive years, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Additionally, the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 were the first aircraft in Flexjet’s fleet to feature fly-by-wire flight controls, offering performance comparable to larger jets with the cost-efficiency of the midsize class.
