What’s The Difference Between The Models?

Although Embraer is well-known for producing regional jets, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer has also become famous for its selection of private jets. This year, the Phenom 300 was the world’s best-selling light jet for the twelfth consecutive year. The Phenom 100 is seen as an entry-level aircraft but with features way beyond its class. Although, at a glance, they look very similar, what are the differences between these two popular aircraft?

The Phenom 100

Range: 1,178NM
Mach: 0.70
High-speed cruise: 390 knots
Maximum ceiling: 41,000 ft
Take-off field length: 3125 ft

The Phenom 100 light jet was first produced in 2008, and continuous improvements by Embraer have ensured its popularity, with more than 400 examples of the type in operation. The first edition was the Phenom 100, leading to the Phenom 100E, which both had Pratt Whitney Canada PW617F-E turbofan engines.

An Embraer Phenom 100 parked in front of a hangar.

Photo: Embraer

The third variant is the Phenom 100EV (EV standing for evolution), which is the only Phenom 100 still in production. It has upgraded PW617F1-E engines that can produce 1.730 lbf (pounds force) of thrust. The Phenom 100EX was updated in 2023 with new avionics.

Basic features

The Phenom 100 has one cabin zone and can seat four or five passengers. Its range is 915NM, meaning it can fly between New York and Nassau or London and Lisbon, for example. It has a cruise speed of 390 knots. There is an enclosed lavatory and refreshment center. Since the first production in 2008, approximately 387 examples of the aircraft have been made.

Added upgrades

Embraer’s focus on comfort, inflight experience, innovation, and embracing new technology has revolutionized the Phenom 100EX. It is a light executive jet designed for the 21st century. Cabin controls are hidden away in upper tech panels, and seat design has improved. Sustainable materials have been used in the cabin. A fifth seat can be added, and the lavatory is belted, offering an extra seat space if needed.

Photo: Embraer

In the cockpit, the Phenom 100EX avionics are Prodigy Touch and based on the Garmin 3000. The aircraft is the first in its class to have a Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS) that acts to build a clear picture of landing conditions.

The Phenom 300

Range: 1,971NM
Mach: 0.78
High-speed cruise: 453 knots
Maximum ceiling: 45,000 ft
Take-off field length: 3183 ft

This year, the Phenom 300 was also the best-selling twinjet for the fourth year running, according to data from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). In 2023, 63 of the aircraft were delivered. Since first being produced in 2008, the Phenom 300 has seen 730 aircraft deliveries across the world. In the US, it is the most-flown aircraft, with over two million flight hours.

Basic features

The Phenom 300 is slightly larger than the Phenom 100 and can seat between six and nine passengers. The aircraft’s range allows for flights of up to four and a half hours, so it can fly from New York to Aspen or Houston to Palm Beach.

An Embraer Phenom 300 flying above the clouds.

Photo: Embraer

It features a cruise speed of 425 knots and a cruising altitude of 45,000 feet. There is an enclosed lavatory with a belted seat and a small galley with a microwave and hot cup. As well as club seats, there is a two-seat divan. There is an extra row of windows in the Phenom 300.

Added upgrades

The upgraded Phenom 300E has a new enhanced autothrottle feature, and engines were upgraded to PW535E engines that can produce 3.360 lbf. The aircraft has a swept wing larger than that of the Phenom 100, so it can carry more fuel and fly further. This can increase the maximum speed to 453 knots. The added winglets create drag and make the Phenom 300 more fuel-efficient.

In terms of avionics, it also has the Prodigy Touch system. The Phenom 300 was the first business jet to have the ROAAS system to be fitted. It can give a warning advisory if the aircraft is too steep or too fast on approach. It also has Garmin SurfaceWatch, a runway monitoring system to ensure that the runway used is sufficient for the conditions and aircraft weight.

Photo: Embraer

Ground clutter suppression eliminates the interface on the radar display. The Phenom 300E has a turbulence detection system that uses Doppler-enabled technology to predict turbulence. Three twelve-inch screens clearly display all information, and a keypad controls all flight management systems, navigation, and communication.

Design features that make Phenom’s stand out

Both aircraft have the largest fuselage of aircraft in the same class, offering more space and comfort. Cabin and cockpit furnishing is a collaboration between Embraer and BMW Group Designworks USA. The seats are ergonomically designed, and the cabin is light and airy, with little noise. The tables are set flush to the wall to create a maximum workspace.

The OvalLite cross-section cabin has created more headroom and legroom. The aircraft have larger windows than other aircraft in the same category. Its cabin is climate-controlled, and there is mood lighting. The baggage compartments are larger than most, and airstairs are incorporated into the aircraft.

Embraer’s Phenom 100 and 300 and their variants have the lowest operating costs in comparison with other light jets. The Phenom is known for its reliability, longevity, and ease of maintenance. The aircraft has the capacity for 35,000 flight cycles. It is no wonder that the aircraft is so popular, and in the US, there are more than 360,000 Phenom flights in a 12-month period.

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