Summary

  • The Phenom 100EX features a revamped cabin interior with more head and legroom, wider seats and aisles, and additional flat-table space, providing a higher level of passenger comfort.
  • The 100EX is the first in its class to have a Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS), enhancing pilot safety during landing by providing crucial information about runway length and conditions.
  • The cockpit updates of the 100EX improve pilot efficiency and ease of operation, with upgraded avionics and extended seat tracking, creating a more streamlined and user-friendly environment for pilots.

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Embraer’s Phenom 100EX recently made its inaugural appearance at the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Annual Expo (NBAA-BACE) 2023 from 17 to 19 October in Las Vegas.

The business jet is an enhanced version of the popular Phenom 100, Embraer’s entry-level jet that has seen over 400 units in operation since 2008. This new variant has some notable upgrades across various aspects, including these four significant improvements that the manufacturer has introduced to elevate the aircraft type.

Spec sheet

Base price

$9.65 million

Engines

2 x Pratt & Whitney PW535E1

Cruise speed

464 KTAS/Mach 0.80

Range

2,010 NM

1 Cabin interior magic creates more head and legroom

The jet is also 190 lb (86 kg) lighter thanks to the cabin overhaul

Embraer has prioritized passenger comfort with significant enhancements to the Phenom 100EX. The aircraft cabin incorporates Embraer’s design DNA, influencing the integration of cabin controls into streamlined upper tech panels. What’s interesting is that, while the fuselage remains the same, the revamped interior boasts wider seats and aisles, and further headroom.

The seat is ergonomically designed, and is complemented by some smart design work in the creation of new flush-to-the-wall tables, adding 35% more flat-table space. Further interior improvements on the aircraft include the addition of a side-facing fifth seat as standard, previously only an option, and a lavatory with a seatbelt!

Embraer Phenom 100EX cabin tables

Photo: Embraer

But the real gamechanger is what Embraer calls its ‘OvalLite’ cabin architecture. According to reporting at AINOnline, a smart design tweak has given every backrest on the aircraft an extra two inches, compared to the original Phenom 100. At the same time, the armrests have been modified to make the aisle wider by three inches, and the cabin head height has been enhanced by one inch. This real estate-grab is of small but significant numbers, and comes with the added benefit of reducing the weight of the aircraft by 190 lb.

Ovalite cabin Embraer Phenom 100EX diagram

Image: Embraer

The aircraft also features wide airstairs and a spacious baggage compartment, and makes use of more sustainable materials in its cabin design. Noticeable too are the improvements in the use of leather and eco-leather where previous models had easily-marked veneers, adding to the sense of a higher quality finish.

2 First in class to have runway alerting system

Embraer Executive Jets CEO Michael Amalfitano calls it “disruptive technology that enhances safety”

Embraer has augmented the safety features of the Phenom 100EX, incorporating state-of-the-art technologies to enhance overall flight safety. This includes advanced avionics systems, improved situational awareness tools, and upgraded flight control systems.

Embraer Phenom 100EX flight deck

Photo: Embraer

As the first in its class to feature a Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS) in its Garmin G3000 avionics system, the 100EX empowers pilots with AI-aided technology during the critical phase of landing. This system provides pilots with crucial information about the remaining runway length, environmental conditions and more, enhancing situational awareness and reducing the risk of runway overruns; an essential feature for safer landings in diverse operational conditions.

Embraer noted in its announcement,

Other avionics improvements include FlightStream 510, automatic 3D volumetric scanning with lightning and hail prediction, stabilized approach, predictive windshear, and more.

The ROAAS has been used in the Phenom 300E since 2021, with great success. Embraer describes it as a ‘virtual assistant’ that acts as a second crew-member. Using information from air data computers, weight and balance calculations and GPS signals, it guides pilots on their approach, continually monitoring speed, descent rate and configuration, accounting for everything from icing conditions to NOTAMs.

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3 Control center capabilities

100EX passengers are not the only ones in for a treat

The Phenom 100EX features cockpit updates that focus on improving pilot efficiency and ease of operation. Upgraded avionics, including advanced navigation and communication systems, contribute to a more streamlined and user-friendly cockpit environment. These enhancements equip pilots with the tools they need to navigate increasingly complex airspaces with precision and confidence.

Phenom 100EX Cockpit

Photo: Embraer

In terms of design, Embraer added more pilot legroom thanks to extended seat tracking. The manufacturer also reduced the width of the bulkheads behind the pilot seats, bringing pilots closer into the cabin for more personal enjoyment of the flight. As reported by FlightGlobal, vice-president of design operations Jay Beever noted:

“When you’re on autopilot and you want to talk to your wife or your friends or your husband, you can. It’s a completely different interior experience environment because of the cockpit bulkhead modification.”

4 Essence of sustainability

A jet that’s ready for the future

In response to growing environmental concerns, Embraer has made strides in incorporating sustainable materials in the construction of the Phenom 100EX. Furthermore, its design allows for efficient operations and easy maintenance, making it one of the most sustainable dual-engine jets in the market.

By using eco-friendly materials in the interior and focusing on fuel efficiency, Embraer demonstrates a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its aircraft, aligning with industry-wide efforts towards sustainability.

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These features make the 100EX a standout option for owner-pilots, private operators, businesses, and even flight academies. In fact, the new light jet is so popular that it has already sold out for 2024. At a price tag of $4.995 million, the manufacturer expects the next available date for delivery in 2025.

In summary, Embraer’s Phenom 100EX stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the light business jet sector. With advancements in cabin design, safety features, sustainability, runway awareness, and cockpit technology, the 100EX offers an enhanced flying experience that caters to the evolving needs of both operators and passengers.

Sources: FlightGlobal, Business Jet Interiors International, AIN Online

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