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Embraer Launches Phenom 300EV Light Jet With Autoland and Enhanced Payload
Embraer announced its Phenom 300EV will debut in 2028 featuring Garmin Autoland, increased payload, and cabin improvements, building on the popular 300E model.
The gist
Embraer’s Phenom 300EV adds Autoland, 430 lbs more payload, and cabin upgrades to its bestselling light jet lineup starting 2028.
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Embraer Executive Jets revealed its latest advancement in the light business jet segment with the forthcoming Phenom 300EV, set to complement the existing Phenom 300E by 2028. This upgraded model marks a notable evolution, increasing payload capacity by 430 pounds and extending its maximum range to 2,065 nautical miles, slightly surpassing the 300E’s 2,010 nautical miles. This range enhancement makes new city pairings feasible, such as nonstop flights from Aspen to New York or London to Athens, expanding operational versatility for owners and operators.
One of the Phenom 300EV’s headline features is the integration of Garmin’s Autoland system, a groundbreaking addition in the light jet category. Embraer proudly positions the 300EV as the largest business jet to incorporate this technology, which automatically lands the aircraft if pilot incapacitation occurs. This capability follows the system's first live activation in December, highlighting its operational readiness and safety value. Embraer CEO Michael Amalfitano emphasized the aircraft’s suite of innovations aimed at elevating safety, performance, and in-flight comfort to a new level.
The aircraft’s enhanced safety suite includes the class-exclusive Autobreak system, which works alongside Garmin’s advanced avionics package, the G3000 Prodigy Touch. This system consists of three large flight displays and dual touchscreen controllers, now upgraded with better runway and situational awareness tools. Complementary electronic systems such as rudder-by-wire controlled via Embraer’s Multi-Purpose Electronic Controller (MEC) help reduce pilot workload. Other features carried forward include emergency descent mode, autothrottle introduced on the 300E in 2023, and Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS), present since 2020.
On the hardware side, the 300EV benefits from new lithium-ion batteries and energy-efficient LED taxi and landing lights. These improvements support both operational reliability and energy savings. Under the hood, the jet continues to be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW535E1 engine, maintaining top speeds of Mach 0.80 (533 knots) and a high-speed cruise of 464 knots. The combination of aerodynamic refinements and engine performance ensures the Phenom 300EV remains competitive in its class.
Passenger experience enhancements include factory-equipped Gogo Galileo satellite WiFi, with options for operators to add SpaceX Starlink connectivity through supplemental type certification. The cabin interior receives thoughtful updates such as an odorless vacuum lavatory, improved climate control with air ionization, and a redesigned refreshment center. Embraer also highlights the 300EV’s low maximum cabin altitude of 6,600 feet, one of the best in its category, contributing to passenger comfort during cruising.
The Phenom 300EV preserves the family’s generous baggage compartment and is equipped with the largest windows in its class, further amplifying cabin ambiance. The aircraft retains its signature robust entry airstair design—borrowed from larger jet models—ensuring seamless boarding. These factors cumulatively underscore Embraer’s focus on marrying performance and passenger comfort in a light jet footprint.
Looking at the competitive landscape, Embraer prepares to defend its lead as the top-selling light jet manufacturer amid growing market activity. Textron Aviation plans FAA certifications for its next-generation Citation CJ4 and M2 jets by 2026 and 2027, while HondaJet aims to introduce its transcontinental-range Echelon around 2028. In broader categories, Embraer recently scored type certifications for its mid-size Praetor 500E and 600E, while Bombardier and Gulfstream solidified their positions with Global 8000 and G800 certifications, respectively.
Embraer’s success with the 300 series is evident in sales data. According to a 2026 general aviation survey, Embraer sold 155 executive jets in 2025 compared to 130 the previous year, with 66 deliveries of the Phenom 300E alone. This combined demand cements the model’s status as the most popular light jet, outpacing competitors like Pilatus’ PC-24 and Textron’s CJ4. Introducing the advanced 300EV model ensures Embraer will maintain its lead by offering a state-of-the-art, feature-rich light jet for business and private aviation markets.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the expected range and payload increase of the Phenom 300EV compared to the 300E?
- The Phenom 300EV offers a range of 2,065 nm, slightly up from 2,010 nm on the 300E, with a payload increase of 430 pounds.
- What new safety features does the Phenom 300EV include?
- It introduces Garmin's Autoland system for automated landings in emergencies, class-exclusive Autobreak, improved situational awareness on the Garmin G3000 suite, and retains prior safety systems like emergency descent mode and Runway Overrun Awareness.
- When will the Phenom 300EV deliveries begin and what connectivity options are available?
- Deliveries are expected to start as soon as 2028, with line-fit Gogo Galileo satellite WiFi, and optional supplement type certification for SpaceX Starlink connectivity.
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