When Embraer — the Brazilian giant known for 100-seat regional airliners — announced they were building a Very Light Jet, the industry paid attention. When they delivered the Phenom 100 in 2008, they proved that "entry-level" didn't have to mean "compromise".

Over 400 Phenom 100 now operate worldwide, making it one of the most successful VLJs in history. Not because it was the cheapest, but because it was the most complete.

The Cabin That Doesn't Feel Entry-Level

The Phenom 100's secret weapon is space. The oval cabin design-borrowed from Embraer's airline experience provides stand-up headroom and shoulder room that make 4-hour flights tolerable. The enclosed lavatory isn't an afterthought; it's a real facility. The refreshment center actually works.

Evolution of the line:
• Phenom 100 (2008): Original, PW617F-E engines, solid foundation
• Phenom 100E: Enhanced avionics, improved hot-and-high performance
• Phenom 100EV ("Evolution"): Upgraded PW617F1-E engines (1,730 lbf), current production
• Phenom 100EX (2023): Prodigy Touch avionics, ROAAS (Runway Overrun Awareness), sustainable cabin materials

Pre-owned Phenom 100 aircraft range from $1.8M to $3.5M depending on variant and year. The 100EV and 100EX command premiums for their avionics and safety systems. Operating costs run approximately $1,000 – 1,200 per hour — higher than some competitors, but you're paying for Embraer's global support network and airline-grade engineering discipline.

The Phenom 100 proved that Brazil could build jets as well as the Americans. It brought airline reliability to the VLJ segment, and in the 100EX, it continues to evolve faster than competitors.

For the buyer seeking a Phenom 100, you're choosing the aircraft that turned "entry-level" into "executive-level." The jet that says you don't need to compromise just because you're starting your jet journey.