JetBird Delivering to Plan
JetBird AG ('JetBird' or the 'Company'), the first Pan-European,
low cost executive jet operator, today welcomed the announcement by
Embraer that it had rolled out the first Phenom 100 at the its
headquarters, in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil.
This event marks the completion of the aircraft assembly and
systems integration phase. The first Phenom 100 will now begin a
series of ground tests over the next few weeks in preparation for its
first flight this summer.
Embraer's Phenom 100 was launched in May 2005 as a best-in-class
executive jet in the very light category. JetBird, the world's first
fleet customer for the Embraer Phenom family aircraft, and European
launch customer, has ordered 50 Phenom 100 aircraft, with options to
purchase a further 50. The Company will receive its first European
certified Phenom 100 in April 2009.
Following announcement of the roll-out, Luis Carlos Affonso,
Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets commented "We are
confident that the Phenom 100's premium comfort, outstanding
performance and low operating cost will impress our customers and will
become the benchmark of the Very Light Jet segment."
JetBird CEO, Mr Stefan Vilner, commented, "As expected, Embraer's
Phenom manufacturing programme remains on schedule and, as European
launch customer, we look forward to receiving the first European
certified Phenom 100 in April 2009."
He added, "JetBird's choice of the Phenom 100 reflects its
position as the premium aircraft in its category offering
best-in-class comfort, space and passenger facilities. In addition,
Embraer's commercial aircraft approach to design of the Phenom family
aircraft means that the Phenom 100 has lower operating costs, higher
utilization capability and higher residual value than all other
aircraft in its class."
He concluded, "Each of these factors underpins JetBird's low cost
business model and the ability to offer a premium service at a
significantly lower price point than existing private jet operators."
About JetBird
Commencing operations in April, 2009, JetBird will become Europe's
first true low cost private jet airline, offering a private jet
experience at up to 50% less than current branded operators. With
aircraft based at a number of demand centres around Europe, JetBird
will offer on-demand private jet charter at a price that offers true
value for money, thus making private jet travel affordable for middle
and senior level executives and the mass affluent.
About Claret Capital
Claret Capital, founded by Domhnal Slattery in 2005, is a private
investment firm based in Dublin, Ireland. Claret Capital manages the
assets of a small number of ultra high net worth individuals and
families and has a global investment mandate. The firm has completed
investments in the Private Equity, Real Estate, Media and Technology
sectors. Claret Capital has also founded a number of new ventures
including Blue Ocean Wireless, a company focused on expanding
communication capability in the merchant maritime sector. Blue Ocean
Wireless provides, for the first time, GSM connectivity for seafarers
in deep ocean water, where no other network exists.