LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Private jet charter and management company JetSuite is pleased to announce the successful inspection, export, import and delivery of its first client Embraer Phenom 100. JetSuite has up to 100 additional Phenom 100 light jets on the way, with 50 firm and 50 options on order. A portion of those planes are available for sale to corporations and private parties who enter into management or leaseback contracts with JetSuite.
JetSuite's inspectors handled detailed production and delivery inspections of the customer's aircraft in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, and worked closely with their client to organize all aspects of the handover from Embraer, including all export and import formalities. This is the world's third Phenom delivery and the first ever to be based on the west coast of the U.S.
The Phenom 100 is the world's best value in cabin class private aviation, and will efficiently accommodate the majority of trips flown in the U.S. More than 70 percent of private jet trips in the U.S. fly less than 1,000 miles and with fewer than five people aboard. The ultra-modern, ultra-efficient Phenom 100 seats four passengers, flies more than 1,000 miles and requires less than a quarter of the fuel used by many of the jets currently in operation.
"In an age where corporate aviation needs to justify itself to shareholders and taxpayers alike, the focus on value has never been higher and the Phenom 100 reduces the cost of most missions by 70 percent or more, depending on the jet it is replacing. This extremely efficient and comfortable jet is arriving on the market at just the right time," said Alex Wilcox, CEO of JetSuite.
JetSuite plans to launch charter operations from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas with an initial fleet of seven jets this year, and then add two new jets per month to broaden service in the western United States, Alaska, Canada and Mexico.
"We're excited to provide the first private party Phenom delivery to the U.S.," said Brian Coulter, VP Flight Operations for JetSuite. "Working together with our suppliers and the multitude of export, transit and import authorities, our team delivered our customer's jet from Brazil to the U.S. in just over 54 hours, without a hitch."
The Phenom 100 offers spacious comfort, superb performance and the latest technology. The jet's interior, designed jointly by BMW Group DesignWorksUSA and Embraer, boasts the largest cabin, windows and baggage compartment in its class. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F, with a range of up to 1,160 nm, short runway capabilities, up to 380 knots speed and a cruising altitude of 41,000 ft., the Phenom 100's performance is best-in-class.
JetSuite announced in November 2008 that the company signed an 11-year Fleet Management Agreement with Pratt & Whitney Canada to maintain its fleet engines and accessories.
Based in California and Nevada, JetSuite is the largest U.S. customer for the Embraer Phenom 100, and offers turnkey ownership, management, leaseback, inspection, delivery, ferry, export and import services with personnel highly experienced in operating and delivering Embraer aircraft for major carriers and private individuals. JetSuite plans to commence low-cost jet charter service in the second half of 2009, upon delivery of its fleet jets and receipt of necessary government approvals.
For more information on JetSuite, please visit www.jetsuite.com, or call (866) 779-7770.