direct/ JetBird announces its choice of Embraer Phenom aircraft to support its new pan-European low cost executive jet service

Geneva, Switzerland & São José dos Campos, Brazil - May 3, 2006 - JetBird AG (JetBird) announced today that it has chosen the Embraer Phenom 100 and 300 aircraft to support the new low cost, pan-European executive jet service which it will launch in 2009.

European Fleet Launch Customer
JetBird is the European fleet launch customer for the Phenom aircraft. JetBird has agreed to acquire 50 Phenom 100 aircraft for delivery from 2009 with options to acquire up to 50 further aircraft over a five year period. JetBird also has the right to convert all of its order options to the larger Phenom 300 aircraft. The value of the order, assuming all options for Phenom 100 aircraft are exercised, will be approximately US$280 million.

Embraer Phenom 100 & Phenom 300
The Phenom 100 and 300 are new executive jet aircraft being developed by Embraer, one of the world´s leading manufacturers of executive jets, commercial aircraft and defense systems. The JetBird Phenom 100 is expected to enter service in Europe in 2009 and will accommodate 4 passengers in comfort equivalent to that of existing, more expensive aircraft. The aircraft has a range of more than 1,300 miles (c.1,160 nautical miles). It also has a short field take off capability which provides the flexibility to operate from the greatest possible number of airports. The larger Phenom 300 will be able to carry 6 passengers over a range of 2,000 miles (c. 1,800 nautical miles).

On-demand, Low Cost Executive Jet Service
JetBird will begin service in 2009 and has chosen Switzerland as its initial operational hub due to its proximity to many key destinations within Europe and also because of the proven Swiss aviation regulatory regime. In addition, this initial operating hub provides ready access to all of the services required to support JetBird´s business model which will be built upon delivering a consistently superior service.

Mr Dómhnal Slattery, Founder and Chairman of JetBird, commented, "JetBird has a clear and compelling vision that will revolutionise the executive travel market in a manner similar to the low-cost airline transformation of the commercial air travel market.

There will be no compromise on the high standards of convenience, personal attention and luxury that consumers are entitled to expect from executive jet travel. Our service will be available to take passengers to and from destinations within Europe on-demand but at a cost structure which will be both totally transparent and uniquely competitive with the cost of current business class commercial travel. The hallmarks of JetBird´s offering will be safety, reliability and a premium service at an affordable price."

Dr. Hans Jörg Hunziker, JetBird Project Leader added "JetBird has chosen the Embraer Phenom 100 and 300 aircraft as they are superior to all other aircraft in their class in terms of space and comfort. They are also designed to achieve high utilization and efficient turnaround times which contribute to lower operating costs and, consequently, better value for customers."

Mr Dómhnal Slattery, concluded "We will provide an attractive alternative for existing executive jet users, but also bring the executive jet travel experience to a market for whom it has been too expensive.

The commercialisation of JetBird´s vision is in the hands of a capable, international team of industry professionals with unparalleled sector experience. We are delighted to have Embraer as a key stakeholder in our business given its exemplary track record of innovation in aircraft design and production."

Mr. Mauricio Botelho, Embraer´s CEO commented "One year ago today we launched the Phenom 100 & Phenom 300 at a ceremony in Washington D.C. We said at the time that Embraer had identified new opportunities in the business aviation segment and announced a portfolio expansion to respond to market needs. There is significant potential for very light and light jet products in Europe, and we are glad to offer JetBird the Phenom as the right airplane at the right time"

Mr. Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Senior Vice-President, Executive Jets, added, "Since the launch of the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 programs we have emphasized the perfect suitability of these aircraft for executive travel operation. With first-class comfort and refined cabin appointments, these two airplanes have also been designed for high utilization and operational flexibility." He concluded, "Today´s order from JetBird is proof that we were right in our vision."

Attachments:

http://www.directnews.de/servlets/LoadBinaryServlet/1303320/About_Jetbird.pdf
http://www.directnews.de/servlets/LoadBinaryServlet/1303333/About_Embraer.pdf


Contacts

JetBird
Mark Kenny or Jonathan Neilan
K Capital Source
Tel: +353 1 631 5500 or +353 86 231 4135
Email: JetBird@kcapitalsource.com

Embraer
Stéphane Guilbaud or Catherine Fracchia
Embraer
Tel: +33 1 4938 4455 or +33 1 4938 4530
Email: sguilbaud@embraer.fr or
cfracchia@embraer.fr

www.flyjetbird.com




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