Embraer officially started production of its entry-level jet in the U.S.

Embraer Executive Jets facility in Melbourne, FL welcomed the fuselage and wing parts of the first Phenom 100 entry level jet to be assembled in the United States on June 10. The arrival of the fuselage confirms that the Company remains on target for the production of the first Embraer aircraft scheduled to be delivered to its customer before the end of 2011.

“The arrival of parts into the brand new 80,000 square feet assembly facility for the Phenom 100 was a meaningful moment for our employees in Melbourne,” says Ernest Edwards, President, Embraer Executive Jets. “It is a milestone that reiterates our commitment to our U.S. presence and to our customers worldwide. It also substantiates the success of this innovative product as we all look forward to start deliveries of the first made-in-America units.”

The Phenom 100 was the most delivered business jet in the world in 2010, further strengthening Embraer’s increase in overall executive jet market share. The assembly of these jets in Melbourne will help re-invigorate aerospace activity in an area strongly impacted by the ending of the Space Shuttle program.

“We currently have 69 qualified engineers and other aviation technicians – some of which are former NASA employees – working on the Phenom 100 assembly line in this Brevard County facility,” says Phil Krull, Embraer Managing Director of Embraer Executive Jets. “We expect to have a total of 200 employees hired by the end of 2012, as production ramps up.”

Embraer press release