Flexjet Signs Purchase Agreement with Embraer

Flexjet has signed a purchase agreement with Embraer for a fleet of business jets, which includes the recently certified Praetor jets and the Phenom 300.

While Embraer did say that the deal is valued at up to USD 1.4 billion, at current list prices, the company did not outline exactly what has been ordered.

“We are very grateful for Flexjet’s renewed commitment to Embraer through this new agreement, which reflects the growth and the strength of our partnership over the past 16 years and symbolizes our ongoing support for their journey ahead,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “Flexjet Owners will appreciate and enjoy a truly elevated customer experience in industry-leading aircraft, including the recently certified Praetor jets, which are different by design and disruptive by choice.”

In 2016, Flexjet introduced the midsized Embraer Legacy 450 to the fractional ownership market. Now Flexjet has decided to convert its full Legacy 450 fleet into Praetor 500s.

The Praetor upgrades the Legacy 450/500 into true corner-to-corner, transcontinental and, in many cases, transoceanic aircraft.

The Praetors have ranges of 3,843 statute miles (Praetor 500) and 4,623 statute miles (Praetor 600) and are powered by fuel-efficient Honeywell engines. The distance capabilities are possible because of the jet’s increased fuel capacity and much larger, aerodynamically efficient winglets.

With cruising speeds of 540+ MPH, a ceiling of 45,000 feet and short takeoff field lengths (4,222 feet for the Praetor 500 and 4,717 feet for the Praetor 600) this aircraft provides operating capabilities usually associated with aircraft and price points a class up.

Both aircraft boat low cabin altitude, which remains practically at sea level through 27,050 feet and gradually rises thereafter to a maximum of only 5,800 feet when at 45,000 ft.

The stand-up cabins have flat floors and full-sized wet galleys with granite flooring, which is also in the lavatory where a complete vanity and conveniently located wardrobe, with space to hang apparel and stow handbags, make for ideal arrival preparations.

The Phenom 300 can seat up to seven in Flexjet’s configuration, has a cruising speed of 521 MPH true air speed powered by Pratt & Whitney engines and a maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet – well above most variable weather patterns. Flexjet introduced the Phenom 300 to the fractional ownership market in 2010.

“We are proud to introduce the Praetor jets to the fractional marketplace and make technologically advanced midsize and super- idsize aircraft available to Flexjet Owners,” said Michael Silvestro, Flexjet CEO. “This order also represents the longstanding trust we have in Embraer and in their enhanced commitment to support the growth of our programs and of our partnership with industry-leading business jets.”

In anticipation of this substantial order, Flexjet has been aggressive in recruiting pilots this year and recently met its 2019 goal of hiring 175 new pilots.

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