Embraer Executive Jets has expanded the size of its fleet in Australia to nine aircraft with the delivery of a Phenom 300E to a New South Wales-based customer.
The aircraft, VH-UYX, is owned by Special Mining Services and will be operated by Flight Options Australia, Embraer said in a statement.
It is the second Phenom 300E to be based in Australia. In 2018, Australian travel company Northern Escape Collection took delivery of VH-NSQ, which is operated by Avcair.
The Phenom 300E is powered by Pratt and Whitney PW535E engines and has a range of just under 2,000nm. It has a maximum operating altitude of 45,000ft and a high speed cruise of 453 knots true airspeed (ktas), according to the Embraer website.
The cabin is designed to seat six passengers, with a seventh able to travel in the co-pilot’s seat as the Phenom 300E is certified to be operated with one pilot.
Special Mining Services owner Andrew Charlton said the company chose the Phenom 300E for its “ruggedness and ability to take off and land on short runways”.
“This is especially useful for the business we are in,” Charlton said in a statement.
“At the same time, its generous cabin space and advanced avionics makes it a dream to fly.
“During our journey from Embraer’s facility in Melbourne, USA to Sydney, Australia, we experienced the full spectrum of the aircraft’s performance and we are extremely satisfied with what we have bought.”
Special Mining Services supplies products such as wheel chocks, cable protectors, torches, speed bumps and flags to various industries.
Embraer Executive Jets chief commercial officer Stephen Friedrich said the Phenom 300E was an ideal light jet.
“We thank Special Mining Services for their trust in us and are honored that the Phenom 300E is increasing its footprint across Australia – a mature aviation market with a discerning customer base,” Friedrich said.
“We look forward to the continued expansion of our fleet in the region through our promise of the best-in-class aircraft and top-notch service and support.”
Embraer launched the Phenom 300E – the E is for enhanced – in 2017 as an upgrade from the Phenom 300.
The changes included a redesigned cabin that adds extra space in the aisle thanks to a new seat and the movement of some reading lights and ceiling fans. There is also a new inflight entertainment system.
The aircraft will be on display at the upcoming Australian International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition being held at Avalon from February 26 to March 3 2019 alongside another of Embraer’s business jets, the midsize Legacy 500.
In 2018, Embraer celebrated 40 years of being in Australia.
VIDEO: A look at the Phenom 300E from the Embraer YouTube channel.
