Flying Embraer's super posh, quiet $10 million private jet
For many wealthy individuals, being able to add a private jet to the collection is the ultimate sign of success. It can also be a practical business tool, and — for those on a bit of a budget — "fractional ownership" through a company like NetJets is an option, too.
As much as they may like to have one, not everyone needs a Gulfstream, such as the $45-million G500 I got to check out in 2018. And, at the other end of the spectrum, there's just a lot a $2-million single-engine jet can't do.
That's where the Phenom 300E comes in, the industry's (and Embraer's) bestselling light jet. And, now that the $9.65-million beaut is almost ready to fly customers with the company's slick "Bossa Nova" design upgrades, I popped down to Melbourne, Florida (MLB) for a demo flight down to Fort Lauderdale (FLL), just before an army of private jets descended on the airport for Super Bowl LIV in Miami.
The Phenom 300E is Embraer's latest version of the 300 — the company has sold more than 500 aircraft in the series to date, though this latest variant, which sports a number of enhancements, won't be delivered to customers until it's certified by the FAA, hopefully within the next few months, with an anticipated first delivery in May.
The occasion of this week's visit? An opportunity for Embraer to show off a new package called "Bossa Nova," which translates to "new trend" in the Brazilian company's home language of Portuguese.
The add-on includes several enhancements — outside, customers can add a special livery, including a very slick piano-black finish on the wings.
Piano black is available for cabin finishes as well, including the glossy foldout tray tables, armrests and drink/smartphone holders, and the overhead paneling as well.
The cabin can be configured with seating for up to nine passengers, including six recliners, two on the sofa behind the cockpit and — if someone's willing — a belted commode (yes, I'm talking about the toilet). The cabin is also outfitted with two flip-down displays, touch controls, window blinds, LED lights (with adjustable color temperature) and a whole lot more, including 4G Gogo connectivity.
We had two pilots for our demo flight, per Embraer policy, but the aircraft can actually be safely flown with just one.
Naturally, the glass cockpit is as advanced as they come, with three large displays, the latest avionics and even a runway overrun alert system.
While the cabin was so comfy and quiet I was happy to spend much of the day in the air, just about 40 minutes after taking off from Melbourne, I spotted the field on the port side of the plane — two left turns later, we were on the ground in Fort Lauderdale, hours ahead of the Super Bowl rush.
While we didn't have nearly enough time on the demo flight, topping out at just 15,000 feet, the Phenom 300E can fly at up to Mach 0.80, nearly 614 miles-per-hour — a record for a single-pilot jet. It can fly more than 2,300 miles with five passengers on board — with a lighter load, it could have carried us from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego (SAN).
Embraer's latest Phenom 300E is available to order now, for $9.65 million. Once you add the Bossa Nova package and special exterior paint, you're looking at about $10 million — although with just about everything in commercial and private aviation, it's worth trying your hand at some old-fashioned negotiation, too.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.