Maiden Flight of JetBird Aircraft



    JetBird AG ('JetBird' or the 'Company'), the first Pan-European,
    low cost executive jet operator, today welcomed the maiden flight of
    the first Phenom 100 Very Light Jet (VLJ), in Sao Jose dos Campos,
    Brazil.

    The Embraer Phenom 100, the best-in-class VLJ, flew yesterday for
    the first time. The maiden flight which took place on schedule lasted
    for 1 hour and 36 minutes and several manoeuvres were performed to
    check the aircraft's flight characteristics and systems operations,
    all of which performed in line with expectations.

    A full test programme, including static and fatigue tests, will
    follow the maiden flight in order to obtain Brazil's National Civil
    Aviation Agency certification, which will be followed by U.S. Federal
    Aviation Authority certification, prior to entering service in
    mid-2008. European Aviation Safety Agency certification will be
    completed in the first quarter of 2009, after which JetBird will take
    delivery of its first Phenom 100.

    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.

    Embraer's President and CEO, Mr Frederico Fleury Curado remarked,
    "This is a key milestone for Embraer and a very special and rewarding
    moment for the entire Embraer team."

    Mr Curado added "When we unveiled the Phenom jets a little more
    than two years ago, we asserted to the business aviation community our
    commitment to be a long term player in the executive aviation market.
    The first flight of the Phenom 100 confirms this commitment and
    constitutes another step in Embraer's strategy to serve our customers
    with a product line that spans the market."

    JetBird CEO, Mr Stefan Vilner, commented, "As expected, the
    Phenom's first flight was on schedule and successful. 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."

    "Embraer have a proven track record of designing and manufacturing
    commercial aircraft. The application of this experience to the Phenom
    family of 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.