Very Light Jets (VLJ)
Embraer Phenom 100EV: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Embraer
Embraer Phenom 100EV: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Embraer Phenom 100EV is the most refined version of the best-selling Very Light Jet (VLJ) on the market today. Built in Melbourne, Florida, certified for single-pilot operation, and powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F1-E turbofans, the 100EV delivers a 1,178 nautical mile range, 406 ktas maximum cruise speed, and a 41,000 ft service ceiling, all in a package that lists new for $4.75 million.
For owner-operators, light corporate flight departments, and short-haul charter, this is the entry point into the jet world that punches well above its weight.
Phenom 100EV Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Very Light Jet (VLJ) |
| First Flight (original 100) | July 26, 2007 |
| 100EV Entry into Service | March 2017 |
| Crew | 1 or 2 pilots (single-pilot certified) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 4 club seating |
| Passengers (Max) | 6 with belted lavatory option |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 1,178 nm / 2,182 km |
| Max Cruise Speed | 406 ktas (Mach 0.70) |
| Max Operating Altitude | 41,000 ft |
| Cabin Altitude at FL410 | 8,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F1-E |
| Thrust per Engine | 1,730 lbf (3,460 lbf total) |
| Avionics | Garmin G3000 Prodigy Touch |
| Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 10,703 lbs |
| Max Landing Weight | 9,998 lbs |
| Basic Operating Weight | 7,297 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 419 US gallons (2,804 lbs usable) |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,480 ft |
| Cabin Length | 11.0 ft |
| Cabin Width | 5.08 ft (61 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.94 ft (59.3 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 212 cubic ft |
| Total Baggage Volume | 70 cubic ft (510 lbs) |
| Cabin Pressurization | 8.3 psi |
| New Price (2025) | $4,750,000 |
History and Development
Embraer entered the very light jet market with a clear mission: open private aviation to a broader segment of operators without compromising on Brazilian engineering rigor. The original Phenom 100 (designation EMB-500) was announced at the November 2005 NBAA convention, completed its first flight on July 26, 2007, and earned its type certificate in December 2008.
The lineage has run through three major variants:
- Phenom 100 (2008): The original production model
- Phenom 100E (2014): Added multifunction spoilers serving as speed brakes, plus minor systems refinements
- Phenom 100EV (2017): Substantial weight savings, increased thrust (Pratt & Whitney PW617F1-E upgrade), and the new Garmin G3000 Prodigy Touch flight deck
- Phenom 100EX (2023): Cabin interior refresh, enhanced cabin management, and additional refinements (the current-production version)
With nearly 400 units in active service globally, the platform has earned its reputation across private owners, fractional operators, charter fleets, flight schools, and military training programs (including the Royal Air Force, a national air force, and Pakistan Air Force).
Exterior Dimensions and Airframe
The Phenom 100EV is a low-wing cantilever monoplane with a T-tail empennage and retractable tricycle landing gear. The fuselage is built with roughly 20% composite materials, designed for a structural life of 28,000 flight cycles or 35,000 hours.
| Exterior Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 42 ft 1 in |
| Wingspan | 40 ft 4 in |
| Height | 14 ft 3 in |
| Wing Area | 200.9 sq ft |
The oval fuselage cross-section, designed in collaboration with BMW DesignworksUSA, is the foundation for the "Oval Lite" cabin geometry that gives the aircraft segment-leading headroom and legroom.
Cabin Interior and Passenger Experience
The Phenom 100EV's cabin holds 212 cubic feet of usable space. While that number sounds modest on paper, the oval cross-section maximizes shoulder and head clearance in a way that flat-floor competitors cannot match.
Seating Configurations
Operators typically choose from three layouts:
- Standard Club Four: Four club-facing seats, ideal for short business hops where face-to-face conversation matters
- Business Club: Four seats with enhanced executive trim and table options
- Forward-Facing Six: Air-taxi style configuration favored by charter operators
With the optional belted lavatory seat (certified for taxi, takeoff, and landing), the aircraft will legally carry up to 6 passengers plus a single pilot.
Cabin Comfort Features
- Largest entrance door in the VLJ class (4.5 ft × 2.1 ft): Easy ingress and egress, no hunching required
- Largest windows in the segment (1.2 ft × 1.0 ft): Abundant natural light throughout the cabin
- Dual temperature zones: Independent climate control for crew and passengers
- Stowable executive tables: Deploy for work or dining, stow flat when not needed
- Enclosed rear lavatory with window: The only VLJ in production to offer this feature
- Cabin altitude of 8,000 ft at FL410: Equivalent to a commercial airliner, reducing fatigue on longer legs
- 11 interior collection options: From conservative business to high-luxury finishes
Baggage Capacity
The 100EV delivers 70 cubic feet of total baggage capacity with a 510 lb weight limit, split between:
- Main rear baggage compartment: 53 cubic feet, 352 lb capacity
- Forward storage and wardrobe: 17 cubic feet (forward wardrobe can be swapped for a refreshment center)
In practical terms, that capacity translates to four full golf bags, two pairs of skis, four carry-on bags, four garment bags, and four laptop bags. For a VLJ, this is class-leading.
Performance Specifications
The Phenom 100EV's performance envelope is what separates it from the rest of the VLJ field, particularly for operators flying out of high-elevation or hot-and-high airports.
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 406 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed | 380 ktas |
| Maximum Mach | M 0.70 |
| Range (4 pax, NBAA IFR, 100 nm alt) | 1,178 nm |
| Range (Max Payload) | 1,092 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
| Time to FL410 | Approximately 27 minutes |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length (MTOW, SL, ISA) | 3,480 ft |
| Takeoff Distance (SL, ISA) | 3,190 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,430 ft |
That short-field capability unlocks roughly 80% of U.S. paved runways, including challenging strips like Aspen (KASE), Telluride (KTEX), and other mountain airports where larger jets cannot legally operate at full load.
Typical Mission Examples
With four passengers and full NBAA IFR reserves, the Phenom 100EV will comfortably handle:
- Los Angeles to Denver (722 nm)
- New York to Chicago (640 nm)
- Houston to Atlanta (610 nm)
- Miami to Nashville (713 nm)
- Seattle to Phoenix (994 nm)
- London to Geneva (407 nm)
For East Coast to West Coast missions, this is not the airplane. For 90% of regional business travel inside the contiguous United States or within Europe, it is exactly the airplane.
Engines and Systems
Two rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F1-E turbofans power the Phenom 100EV. The "F1-E" suffix denotes the upgraded Evolution variant, which delivers 1,730 pounds of thrust per side (3,460 pounds total) versus the 1,615 pounds per side on the original 100E.
Key engine and systems specifications:
- FADEC: Full Authority Digital Engine Control on both engines
- Bypass Ratio: 2.84:1
- TBO: 5,000 hours on-condition
- Engine Inlet Anti-Ice: Hot bleed air
- Brake-by-Wire: Reduces pilot workload and improves stopping consistency
- Multifunction Spoilers: Act as speed brakes in flight and lift dumpers on landing rollout
- Single-Point Pressure Refueling: Standard equipment
The aircraft uses externally serviced flushing lavatories and features Embraer's signature ram's-horn control yoke, a design touch that has carried through every Phenom generation.
Avionics and Flight Deck
The Phenom 100EV introduced the Garmin G3000 Prodigy Touch flight deck, a meaningful upgrade from the original Prodigy G1000 platform on earlier Phenom 100s.
Standard avionics suite includes:
- Three 14-inch high-resolution displays
- Two touchscreen GTC 570 controllers
- Synthetic vision technology (SVT)
- TCAS I (traffic alert and collision avoidance system)
- ADS-B Out compliance
- WAAS/LPV-capable GPS navigation
- Weather radar with vertical scan, ground clutter suppression, and turbulence detection
- SurfaceWatch runway awareness
- Graphical flight planning
- Windshear alerting
- Datalink and CPDLC capability (with optional Package 1)
The flight deck is optimized for single-pilot operation, with smart automatic and reduced checklists, charts integration, and Embraer's flight envelope protection.
Operating Costs and Economics
The Phenom 100EV's direct operating cost positions it as one of the most economical jets to operate per flight hour in private aviation.
Direct Operating Cost Breakdown (typical 2025 data)
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (avg fuel burn 109 gph) | $633 |
| Maintenance | $308 |
| Engine Reserve (overhaul) | $245 |
| Misc Variable | $259 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$1,445/hr |
Annual Fixed Cost Estimates (at 200 hours per year)
| Cost Item | Annual |
|---|---|
| Crew (if applicable) | $90,000 to $140,000 |
| Hangar | $34,017 |
| Insurance | $19,690 |
| Recurrent Training | $18,000 |
| Subscriptions and Services | $12,000 |
| Total Annual Fixed | ~$175,000 to $225,000 |
Total annual budget for an owner flying 200 hours per year typically runs $450,000 to $550,000 depending on geography, hangar location, and crew structure. Operators flying single-pilot owner-flown missions can reduce that materially.
Charter Rates
The Phenom 100EV charters on the open market at $2,500 to $3,500 per hour depending on operator, region, and positioning fees.
Pricing: New and Pre-Owned
| Market | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New (2025 factory list) | $4,750,000 |
| 2019 to 2022 Pre-Owned 100EV | $3,500,000 to $4,400,000 |
| 2014 to 2018 Pre-Owned 100E | $2,400,000 to $3,200,000 |
| 2009 to 2013 Pre-Owned 100 | $1,600,000 to $2,400,000 |
Pre-owned values have held remarkably well since 2021. Inventory remains tight relative to historic norms, and the EV's combination of modern avionics, fresh paint and interior options, and the Melbourne, Florida assembly provenance keeps demand stable.
Mission Profile: Who Should Buy a Phenom 100EV?
The Phenom 100EV makes the strongest case for these operator profiles:
- Owner-Operators Stepping Up From Piston or Turboprop: Single-pilot certification and forgiving handling make the transition more accessible than competing jets
- Regional Corporate Flight Departments: City-pair missions inside 1,000 nm are the sweet spot
- Light Charter Operators: Strong utilization economics and broad airport access drive charter ROI
- Flight Training Organizations: Used by RAF, Embraer's own programs, and other large training operators
- Personal Travel for HNW Individuals: Right-sized for couples and small families flying short to medium legs
It is not the right answer if:
- You routinely fly transcontinental U.S. legs
- You regularly travel with more than four adult passengers plus bags
- You need international long-range capability
Phenom 100EV vs. Direct Competitors
| Aircraft | Range (nm) | Max Cruise | Cabin Volume | New Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embraer Phenom 100EV | 1,178 | 406 ktas | 212 cu ft | $4.75M |
| Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 | 1,550 | 404 ktas | 240 cu ft | $5.4M |
| HondaJet Elite II | 1,547 | 422 ktas | 192 cu ft | $6.8M |
| Cirrus Vision Jet G2+ | 1,275 | 305 ktas | 270 cu ft (single-engine) | $3.5M |
The 100EV gives up some range to the Citation M2 and HondaJet Elite II but commands a price advantage and offers the largest entrance door, the only enclosed lavatory in class, and arguably the best cabin pressurization profile.
Pros and Cons
What the Phenom 100EV Does Well
- Class-leading cabin door, windows, and lavatory
- Excellent short-field and high-elevation performance
- Single-pilot certified with intuitive Garmin G3000 deck
- BMW Designworks interior is genuinely well-executed
- Strong dispatch reliability and Embraer's owner-support network
- Holds resale value better than most VLJ competitors
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Range limitations rule out coast-to-coast missions
- 6-passenger configurations are tight for adults plus full bags
- Lavatory privacy is functional but not spacious
- Galley capacity is limited to a basic refreshment center
- Optional equipment can add meaningfully to the base price
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can a Phenom 100EV fly?
The Phenom 100EV has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 1,178 nautical miles with four passengers and 100 nm alternate fuel reserves. That covers nearly every U.S. domestic city pair under 1,000 nm with comfortable margin.
How many passengers does the Phenom 100EV carry?
Standard configuration seats four passengers in a club arrangement. With the optional belted lavatory seat, the aircraft is certified to carry up to six passengers plus a single pilot.
Is the Phenom 100EV single-pilot certified?
Yes. The Phenom 100EV is certified for single-pilot operation. Most charter operators still elect to crew it with two pilots for insurance and safety standards, but owner-operators routinely fly it single-pilot.
What does it cost to charter a Phenom 100EV?
Charter rates for the Phenom 100EV typically run $2,500 to $3,500 per flight hour, depending on the operator, route, and positioning requirements.
What is the difference between the Phenom 100, 100E, and 100EV?
The original Phenom 100 entered service in 2008. The 100E added multifunction spoilers and minor improvements in 2014. The 100EV, introduced in 2017, brought upgraded PW617F1-E engines with more thrust, weight savings, and the Garmin G3000 Prodigy Touch flight deck. The Phenom 100EX (current production) adds cabin and interior refinements on top of the EV.
Can the Phenom 100EV land at short or mountain airports?
Yes. With a 3,480 ft balanced field length and strong high-elevation performance, the 100EV operates comfortably at airports like Aspen (KASE), Telluride (KTEX), and similar challenging fields where many larger jets are restricted.
How much does a Phenom 100EV cost to own per year?
A typical owner flying 200 hours per year should budget $450,000 to $550,000 in total annual operating costs, including fuel, maintenance, crew, hangar, insurance, and training. Owner-flown single-pilot operations come in lower.
What is the Phenom 100EV's service ceiling?
The Phenom 100EV has a service ceiling of 41,000 feet, which allows it to climb above most weather and commercial traffic, optimizing fuel burn and ride quality.
The Bottom Line
The Phenom 100EV is the right answer when the mission profile is regional, the passenger count is small, and the operator wants a fully modern jet with excellent build quality, strong economics, and a serious manufacturer behind it. For owner-operators making the jump from piston twins or turboprops, it remains one of the most attainable and capable entry points into the jet world today.
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 100EV market intelligence, charter availability, or acquisition advisory. Our team tracks every airframe on the market, runs pre-buy diligence in-house, and structures deals that protect buyer interests from offer through delivery.
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Book a Embraer Phenom 100EV 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 100EV 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 100EV availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
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Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Embraer Phenom 100EV 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 100EV Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Embraer Phenom 100EV 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 100EV 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 100EV 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 100EV-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 100EV 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 100EV retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Embraer Phenom 100EV-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 100EV 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 100EV 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:
- Cessna Citation M2 Gen2: Specs and Buyer's Guide
- HondaJet Elite II: Complete Performance Review
- Cirrus Vision Jet G2+: Single-Engine VLJ Analysis
- Pilatus PC-12 NGX vs Phenom 100EV: Turboprop or VLJ?
Specifications and pricing accurate as of 2026. All performance figures based on standard atmospheric conditions and NBAA IFR fuel reserves unless otherwise noted. Operating costs are estimates and will vary based on operator, geography, and utilization.