Very Light Jet (VLJ) - Legacy Production
Embraer Phenom 100 (Original): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Embraer
Embraer Phenom 100 (Original): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The original Embraer Phenom 100 (EMB-500), produced from 2008 to 2014, is the foundational airframe that became the best-selling Very Light Jet platform in business aviation history. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617-F turbofans producing 1,615 lbf each, the original Phenom 100 delivers 1,178 nautical miles of range, 390 ktas (Mach 0.70) maximum cruise, and a 41,000 ft service ceiling. With a BMW Designworks interior, Garmin G1000 Prodigy avionics, and single-pilot certification, the original 100 remains a strong value in the pre-owned VLJ market today.
For owner-operators stepping up from piston twins or turboprops, the original Phenom 100 offers genuine jet performance at pre-owned pricing under $2.5 million.
Phenom 100 (Original) Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Very Light Jet (VLJ) - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2014 (replaced by Phenom 100E) |
| First Flight | July 26, 2007 |
| FAA Type Certificate | December 2008 |
| First Delivery | December 2008 |
| Crew | 1 pilot (single-pilot certified) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 4 club seating |
| Passengers (Max) | 7 with optional side-facing seat and belted lavatory |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 1,178 nm / 2,182 km |
| Max Cruise Speed | 390 ktas (Mach 0.70) |
| Max Operating Altitude | 41,000 ft |
| Cabin Altitude at FL410 | 8,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617-F |
| Thrust per Engine | 1,615 lbf (3,230 lbf total) |
| Avionics | Embraer Prodigy (Garmin G1000-based) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 10,472 lbs |
| Cabin Length | 11.0 ft |
| Cabin Width | 5.08 ft (61 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.94 ft (59.3 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 212 cu ft (passenger) / 282 cu ft total |
| Total Baggage Volume | 70 cubic ft |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,400 ft |
| Original Price (2008) | $2,850,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $1,600,000 to $2,400,000 |
History and the Origin of the Phenom Family
In April 2005, Embraer's board approved entry into the very light and light jet market. Within ten years, the company aimed to become a major global business jet provider. On November 9, 2005, Embraer announced the Phenom 100 at the annual NBAA convention with a full-scale mock-up.
Development timeline:
- April 2005: Board approval for VLJ program
- November 2005: Phenom 100 announced at NBAA with mock-up
- July 26, 2007: First flight
- December 2008: FAA type certification awarded
- December 2008: First customer delivery
- 2014: Replaced by Phenom 100E (multifunction spoilers, minor updates)
- 2017: Phenom 100EV introduced (upgraded engines, Prodigy Touch avionics)
Embraer originally planned to deliver 15 Phenom 100s in 2008 and 120-150 in 2009. Actual deliveries were two in 2008 and 97 in 2009. By the end of original 100 production, approximately 280+ aircraft had been delivered worldwide.
In mid-2008, Embraer established a new Phenom assembly line in Melbourne, Florida to serve the North American market. By July 2016, all final assembly transferred to the Florida facility.
Exterior Dimensions and Airframe
The Phenom 100 is a low-wing cantilever monoplane with a T-tail and retractable tricycle landing gear. The airframe is built with approximately 20% composite materials, designed for a 28,000 flight cycle or 35,000 flight hour structural life.
| Exterior Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 42 ft 1 in |
| Wingspan | 40 ft 4 in |
| Height | 14 ft 3 in |
Cabin Interior and Passenger Experience
The Phenom 100's cabin features BMW DesignworksUSA design, the same partnership that defined later Phenom variants. The Oval Lite cross-section delivers segment-leading headroom and shoulder room.
Cabin Dimensions
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 11.0 ft |
| Cabin Width | 5.08 ft (61 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.94 ft (59.3 inches) |
| Cabin Volume (passenger) | 212 cubic ft |
Seating Configurations
The standard Phenom 100 configuration seats 4 passengers in a club layout. Optional configurations include:
- Standard Club Four: Two facing club pairs
- Five-Seat Configuration: Adds belted lavatory seat
- Up to 7 Occupants: With side-facing seat and belted lavatory
Cabin Features
- BMW DesignworksUSA interior: Original Phenom design language
- Oval Lite cross-section: Generous headroom and legroom
- Largest cabin door in class (4.5 ft × 2.1 ft): Easy ingress
- Largest windows in segment (1.2 ft × 1.0 ft): Abundant natural light
- Dual temperature zones: Independent climate control
- Enclosed rear lavatory with window: Class-unique feature
- Cabin altitude of 8,000 ft at FL410: Comparable to commercial airliner
Baggage Capacity
The Phenom 100 provides 70 cubic feet of total baggage capacity:
- Main rear baggage compartment: 53 cubic feet, 352 lb capacity
- Forward storage: 17 cubic feet
Performance Specifications
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 390 ktas (Mach 0.70) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 360 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 1,178 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length (MTOW, SL, ISA) | 3,400 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,430 ft |
Typical Mission Examples
- Los Angeles to Denver (722 nm)
- New York to Chicago (640 nm)
- Houston to Atlanta (610 nm)
- London to Geneva (407 nm)
Engines and Systems
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617-F turbofans power the original Phenom 100, each producing 1,615 lbf of thrust (3,230 lbf total). The PW617-F is the predecessor to the upgraded PW617F1-E found on the later Phenom 100EV (which delivers 1,730 lbf per engine).
Engine and systems highlights:
- FADEC: Full Authority Digital Engine Control
- Bypass Ratio: 2.84:1
- TBO: 5,000 hours on-condition
- Engine Inlet Anti-Ice: Hot bleed air
- Brake-by-Wire: Reduces pilot workload
- Single-Point Pressure Refueling: Standard
Avionics and Flight Deck
The original Phenom 100 features the Embraer Prodigy flight deck based on the Garmin G1000 platform. This is one generation earlier than the Garmin G3000 Prodigy Touch found on the 100EV.
Standard avionics features:
- Three large displays: G1000 platform
- Dual full authority digital engine controls (FADEC): Standard
- Weather radar with vertical scan: Standard
- TCAS I: Traffic alert system
- Garmin SVT (with later updates): Synthetic Vision Technology
- WAAS/LPV-capable: Standard
- Single-pilot optimized: Smart automatic checklists
Operating Costs and Economics
Direct Operating Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (approximately 109 gph) | $633 to $850 |
| Engine Reserve | $245 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $308 |
| Misc Variable | $259 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$1,445 to $1,650/hr |
Annual Fixed Cost Estimates (200 hours per year)
| Cost Item | Annual |
|---|---|
| Crew (single-pilot owner-flown) | Minimal to $80,000 |
| Hangar | $30,000 to $40,000 |
| Insurance | $15,000 to $25,000 |
| Recurrent Training | $15,000 |
| Subscriptions, Connectivity | $10,000 |
| Total Annual Fixed | ~$150,000 to $200,000 |
Total annual budget at 200 hours: approximately $400,000 to $500,000.
Charter Rates
Original Phenom 100 charter rates run $2,500 to $3,000 per flight hour.
Pricing: Pre-Owned Market
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2012 to 2014 Phenom 100 | $2,000,000 to $2,400,000 |
| 2010 to 2011 Phenom 100 | $1,800,000 to $2,100,000 |
| 2009 Phenom 100 | $1,600,000 to $1,900,000 |
Mission Profile: Who Should Buy an Original Phenom 100?
Best fit profiles:
- Value-Focused Owner-Operators: Get genuine jet performance under $2.5M
- Step-Up From Turboprop or High-Performance Piston: Familiar BMW Designworks cabin quality
- Light Charter Operators: Strong dispatch reliability and economics
- Owner-Pilots Wanting Single-Pilot Certified Jet: Forgiving handling characteristics
Less suited if:
- You need transcontinental U.S. range
- You want the latest Prodigy Touch avionics (consider 100EV instead)
- You require the upgraded PW617F1-E engine performance
Phenom 100 (Original) vs. Successor Variants
| Variant | Years | Engines | Avionics | Range | Pre-Owned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phenom 100 (Original) | 2008 to 2014 | PW617-F (1,615 lbf) | Prodigy G1000 | 1,178 nm | $1.6M to $2.4M |
| Phenom 100E | 2014 to 2017 | PW617-F | Prodigy G1000 | 1,178 nm | $2.4M to $3.2M |
| Phenom 100EV | 2017 to 2023 | PW617F1-E (1,730 lbf) | Prodigy Touch G3000 | 1,178 nm | $3.5M to $4.4M |
| Phenom 100EX | 2023 to present | PW617F1-E | Prodigy Touch G3000 | 1,178 nm | New: $4.75M |
The original 100's primary tradeoffs versus the EV: lower thrust engines (impacting hot-and-high performance), G1000 (vs G3000 Prodigy Touch), and weight (the EV achieved substantial weight savings).
Pros and Cons
What the Original Phenom 100 Does Well
- BMW DesignworksUSA cabin from day one
- Same airframe and cabin dimensions as later EV
- Strong dispatch reliability across the in-service fleet
- Single-pilot certified
- Lowest entry price into modern VLJ ownership
- 70 cu ft baggage capacity (segment-leading)
- Enclosed rear lavatory with window
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Lower thrust engines than 100EV (especially noticeable hot-and-high)
- G1000 avionics dated vs. Prodigy Touch G3000 in 100EV/EX
- No autothrottle
- 1,178 nm range is shorter than current Phenom 300E or Citation M2 Gen2
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can a Phenom 100 fly?
The original Phenom 100 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 1,178 nautical miles with four passengers, suitable for most U.S. regional missions.
How many passengers does the Phenom 100 carry?
Standard configuration seats four passengers in a club arrangement. Optional configurations support up to 7 occupants with side-facing seat and belted lavatory.
Is the original Phenom 100 single-pilot certified?
Yes. The Phenom 100 was certified for single-pilot operation from initial type certification in December 2008.
What is the difference between the Phenom 100 and Phenom 100EV?
The 100EV (2017) introduced upgraded Pratt & Whitney PW617F1-E engines (1,730 lbf vs 1,615 lbf), the Garmin G3000-based Prodigy Touch avionics suite, and substantial weight savings. Cabin and airframe dimensions remained the same.
What engines power the original Phenom 100?
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617-F turbofans, each producing 1,615 lbf of thrust.
How much does it cost to charter a Phenom 100?
Original Phenom 100 charter rates typically run $2,500 to $3,000 per flight hour.
The Bottom Line
The original Embraer Phenom 100 (2008-2014) is one of the best-value entry points into modern VLJ ownership. With the same BMW Designworks cabin, single-pilot certification, and 70-cubic-foot baggage capacity as later variants, the original 100 offers everything that defined the platform at substantially lower pre-owned pricing. The tradeoff is older avionics and lower-thrust engines, neither of which are deal-breakers for owner-operators flying within the aircraft's natural mission profile.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for current Phenom 100 market intelligence, pre-buy diligence with attention to engine program enrollment and Prodigy avionics currency, or for advisory on whether the original 100 or a 100E/100EV better fits your mission profile.
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Book a Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
AVIA Technologies is the technology platform behind the Quantum Jets mobile app. The AVIA Technologies app powers the private jet charter marketplace experience: search the catalog, compare a Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) for jet sales, manage a fleet under aircraft management or private jet management, and execute a private jet card purchase, all from one private jet app. The Quantum Jets app and the AVIA Technologies app share the same backend so client data, trip history, and aircraft preferences carry across both surfaces.
Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access Embraer Phenom 100 (Original)-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Embraer Phenom 100 (Original)-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Embraer Phenom 100 (Original) for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Embraer Phenom 100EV: Current-Production Successor
- Embraer Phenom 100E: Intermediate Variant
- Cessna Citation M2 (Original): Direct Competitor
- HondaJet (Original HA-420): Direct Competitor
Specifications and pricing accurate as of 2026. Production of the original Phenom 100 ended in 2014; all acquisitions are pre-owned. All performance figures based on standard atmospheric conditions and NBAA IFR fuel reserves unless otherwise noted.