Embraer Phenom Fleet in the United States: FAA Registry Analysis

The U.S. accounts for approximately 65-70% of all Phenom aircraft worldwide. Brazil has the second-largest Phenom fleet at roughly 80 aircraft (Embraer's home market), followed by Europe with approximately 60 spread across the UK, Germany, France, and Switzerland. The concentration in the U.S. reflects both the size of the American light jet market and Embraer's strategic focus on U.S. sales channels, service centers, and operator relationships.

Approximately 8-12 Phenom aircraft are deregistered from the FAA database annually, representing 1-1.5% fleet attrition. Most deregistrations are exports to international buyers (Latin America and Europe), not retirements. Very few Phenom 300s have been scrapped or permanently grounded. The Phenom 100 sees slightly higher attrition as older 2008-2012 models with high-time airframes become less economical to maintain compared to purchasing a newer model.

PlaneSense operates approximately 45-50 Phenom 300/300E aircraft in their fractional fleet as of 2026, making them the largest single operator of the type in the U.S. Their fleet is based primarily in the Northeast (Portsmouth, NH headquarters) and serves fractional share owners across the eastern seaboard. PlaneSense has been adding 5-8 new Phenom 300E deliveries per year to replace older models and accommodate share growth.

The U.S. has an estimated 2,500-3,000 pilots with Phenom 300 type ratings, making it one of the most commonly rated business jets in the country. FlightSafety International and CAE both offer Phenom 300 type rating programs at multiple U.S. training centers. The abundance of rated pilots is a significant advantage for operators: hiring a Phenom 300 captain takes weeks, not months, compared to less common types where pilot sourcing can take 60-90 days.

The Phenom 300E (introduced 2020) added approximately 20 knots of max cruise speed (464 ktas versus 446 ktas on the original), reduced fuel burn by 5-7% through engine software optimization, upgraded to the Prodigy Touch avionics suite with split-screen and graphical weather, and refined the interior with redesigned sidewalls, new seat designs, and improved cabin management system. The cabin dimensions are identical. The E designation represents a mid-life upgrade, not a new aircraft, which means parts commonality with pre-E models remains high.

Three factors. First, the Phenom 300 carries 9-10 passengers versus the HondaJet's 5-6, generating more revenue per flight hour. Second, the Phenom 300's 2,010 nm range covers most U.S. charter routes nonstop, while the HondaJet's 1,437 nm range requires fuel stops on longer segments. Third, the Phenom 300 has a flat-floor cabin with stand-up headroom and an enclosed lavatory; the HondaJet has a belted potty behind a curtain. For charter passengers paying $3,000+ per hour, the lavatory alone can determine repeat business.