Embraer Phenom 300E

The Embraer Phenom 300E is an upgrade on the original Phenom 300 – the most delivered light business jet for seven consecutive years. The platform and history of the Phenom 300 is relatively short, especially compared with other aircraft in this sector that have a long history of development and improvement.

Of course, Embraer perfected this light jet on their first attempt. Originally created after customer feedback suggested that there were potential customers who wanted a larger version of the popular Phenom 100.

The new design of aircraft was designed to offer more space than the Phenom 100 while also allowing operation into smaller airports, such as London City Airport and Telluride Regional Airport. The first flight of the Phenom 300 was in April 2008 and was certified in December 2009.

Within the same month Embraer made their first customer delivery, having now produced over 500 units. In 2018 Embraer announced upgrades to the Phenom 300, leading to the Phenom 300E.

Two years later in 2020 Embraer announced yet more tweaks to the Phenom 300E.

The Phenom 300E is powered by two rear mounted Pratt & Whitney PW535E1 engines, with each producing 3,478 lbf of thrust (6,956 lbf total). The Pratt & Whitney engines are capable of powering the aircraft to a maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet, with a maximum cruise speed of 464 knots for up to 2,010 nautical miles.

These numbers mean that it can cruise faster than the likes of the Cessna Citation CJ3+, Nextant 400XTi and the Cessna Citation CJ4.

However, it is worth noting that the CJ3+, Learjet 75 and CJ4 can all fly slightly further non-stop than the Phenom 300.

Thanks to the aerodynamics and PW535E1 engines the Phenom 300E has a take-off distance of just 3,209 feet and a landing distance of 2,212 feet. The size and performance of the Phenom 300E ensure that it is certified for single pilot operation.

These numbers are all very similar to the previous generation of Phenom 300. In fact, the exterior of the updated Phenom 300E is nearly identical to the previous 300, with both being able to maintain a maximum cabin altitude of just 6,600 feet.

With the performance numbers and exterior of the Phenom 300E being very similar to that of the Phenom 300, one is left to wonder where the significant changes have occurred. Once inside the aircraft the differences are clear.

The feedback that Embraer received from customers was that they loved the performance, but the interior comfort could use some work. And that is exactly what Embraer have done with the 300E, claiming that the update features “a total redesign of the 300’s interior.” Tables, window shades, seats and ceiling panels have all been updated and redesigned.

The low cabin altitude of 6,600 feet and quiet cabin noise level of just 75 dB will ensure that you can comfortable work or relax, so that you arrive at your destination as refreshed as possible.

The new seats feature retractable armrest and thigh supports, along with tracks which allow for the cabin seats to pivot away from the side walls to increase the amount of shoulder room each passenger has, giving passengers even more space. The retractable armrests also create more space within the cabin, with the Phenom 300E featuring a slightly wider aisle than the previous generation 300.

The seating within this light jet allows for a maximum occupancy of 11 persons (including crew), resulting in a maximum occupancy of 10 passengers. Keep in mind though that with 10 passengers onboard you will know them very well by the time that you land at your destination.

The new cabin has been described as “forward-thinking” and features proximity-activated controls, adjustable lighting, touchscreen monitors and Embraer patented flush gaspers. Combining multiple zones of personalization, an advanced cabin control system that allows portable device integration and wireless audio/video streaming, all adding to the sophisticated interior enhancements.

Upfront the Embraer Phenom 300E features the Prodigy Touch avionics system which “offer an exhilarating flying experience with single-pilot operation capabilities.” The Prodigy Touch Flight Deck allows for enhanced situational awareness and full single-pilot operation.

The beautiful glass cockpit features three large 14.1 inch displays and state-of-the-art avionics, featuring the first business aviation application of a runway overrun awareness alerting system. The 300E is available with a wide-range of systems, such as:

• Single-pilot operation
• Reduced pilot checklists thanks to smart automation
• Approach and landing assistant technology, unprecedented in business aviation
• FAA Data Comm, allowing Pre-Departure Clearances
• Emergency Descent Mode
• Graphical built-in weight and balance
• TOLD — integrated take-off and landing computer
• ADS-B In and Out
• Soft keys on displays minimize navigation time on menus
• Three 14.1″ interchangeable displays
• Electronic checklist and system synoptics
• Charts and maps (SIDs, STARs)
• Standard Synthetic Vision System (SVS) – unique in its class
• Weather radar with vertical scan, ground clutter suppression and turbulence detection
• WAAS / LPV
• Datalink via SATCOM — unique in its class
• Central Maintenance Computer (CMC): quick fault location and isolation
• SurfaceWatch™
• Vertical navigation through climb, cruise, descent (CCDVNAV)
• Predictive and reactive windshear alerting

The great thing about chartering a Phenom 300/300E is that thanks to it being the most delivered light jet for seven years, it is a staple within many charter fleets so you will easily be able to fly in one. If renting a 300E it is estimated to cost $3,150 per flight hour, which puts it at the average cost for aircraft within this category.

If you are looking to charter, be sure to find the right charter company for you here.