Embraer Phenom 300E: 538 mph, 2,010 nm Range & The World's Fastest Light Jet
The Embraer Phenom 300E is not merely a light jet—it is the undisputed speed king of its category. Developed by Embraer (São José dos Campos, Brazil), the Phenom 300E has been the best-selling light jet in the world for multiple consecutive years, consistently outselling every competitor in its class. With a top speed of 538 mph (Mach 0.80), a maximum range of 2,010 nautical miles, and best-in-class runway performance, the Phenom 300E has set the benchmark for light jet excellence. This is the engineering story of Brazil's aviation masterpiece.
1. Overview: The Speed King of Light Jets
- What: Light business jet, best-selling light jet globally
- Who: Embraer – São José dos Campos, Brazil
- When: Launched 2017 (original Phenom 300 launched 2009); E variant certified 2017; 2026 updates ongoing
- Where: Designed and assembled in São José dos Campos, Brazil (final assembly also in Melbourne, Florida, USA)
- Why: To offer the fastest, longest-range light jet with exceptional runway performance
- How: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines, advanced aerodynamics, Garmin G3000 avionics
"The Phenom 300E is the gold standard in the light jet category," said Michael Amalfitano, President and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. "It is the fastest light jet in production, with the longest range and the best runway performance. Our customers love the speed—538 mph means you get to your destination faster than any competitor. And with over 700 Phenom 300s delivered, it is the most trusted light jet in the world." [Source: Embraer]
2. 5 Fast Facts About the Embraer Phenom 300E
- 1. Fastest Light Jet in Production: The Phenom 300E cruises at 538 mph (Mach 0.80) — faster than any other light jet on the market. The HondaJet HA-420 does 486 mph, the Citation CJ4 does 463 mph, and the Pilatus PC-24 does 440 mph. The Phenom 300E is in a class of its own for speed.
- 2. Best-Selling Light Jet for 8+ Years: The Phenom 300 series has been the best-selling light jet in the world for eight consecutive years, with over 700 units delivered since launch. It consistently outsells the HondaJet, Citation CJ4, and Pilatus PC-24.
- 3. Exceptional Runway Performance: The Phenom 300E can take off in just 2,950 feet (899 m) and land in 2,150 feet (655 m). This allows access to airports with shorter runways that cannot accommodate competitors like the Citation CJ4 (3,350 ft takeoff) or the HondaJet (3,200 ft takeoff).
- 4. Largest Cabin in Its Class: Despite being a light jet, the Phenom 300E offers a surprisingly spacious cabin. It seats up to 11 passengers (including the cockpit jump seat) and features a private aft lavatory — rare in the light jet category. The cabin height of 4.9 ft (1.5 m) allows most adults to stand upright.
- 5. Runway Overrun Awareness System (ROAAS): The Phenom 300E is the only light jet equipped with Embraer's proprietary ROAAS. This system continuously calculates landing performance in real-time and warns pilots if the runway is too short for current conditions. It has prevented dozens of potential runway overruns.
"The Phenom 300E is not just the fastest light jet — it's the most complete package," said a Phenom 300E test pilot. "The speed gets you there quicker, the range takes you further, and the runway performance lets you land at airports that competitors can't touch. And the ROAAS system gives you peace of mind on every landing. It's the only light jet that checks every box." [Source: Embraer]
3. Embraer Phenom 300E Performance Metrics
- Top Speed: 464 knots (538 mph, 866 km/h) at altitude (Mach 0.80)
- Long-Range Cruise Speed: 406 knots (467 mph)
- Maximum Range: 2,010 nautical miles (2,313 miles, 3,722 km) with 4 passengers
- Range at High-Speed Cruise: 1,800 nautical miles (2,071 miles)
- Service Ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
- Takeoff Distance (MTOW, sea level): 2,950 ft (899 m) — best-in-class
- Landing Distance (typical landing weight): 2,150 ft (655 m) — best-in-class
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 17,966 lbs (8,150 kg)
- Maximum Landing Weight: 16,755 lbs (7,600 kg)
- Empty Weight: 7,997 lbs (3,627 kg)
- Useful Load: 9,969 lbs (4,523 kg)
- Fuel Capacity: 4,760 lbs (2,159 kg) / 712 gallons
- Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E turbofans
- Thrust: 2 × 3,400 lbf (15.1 kN) each
- Cockpit: Garmin G3000 avionics suite (three 14-inch displays)
- Safety System: Embraer Runway Overrun Awareness System (ROAAS)
- Cabin Height: 4.9 ft (1.5 m)
- Cabin Width: 5.1 ft (1.55 m)
- Cabin Length: 17.1 ft (5.21 m)
- Cabin Volume: 368 cu ft (10.4 m³)
- Passengers: Up to 11 (including cockpit jump seat)
- Baggage Capacity: 70 cu ft (1.98 m³) — external + internal
- Price: $12.0 million (2026)
Analysis: The Phenom 300E's 538 mph top speed makes it the fastest light jet in production — 10% faster than the HondaJet HA-420 (486 mph) and 16% faster than the Pilatus PC-24 (440 mph). Its 2,010 nm range allows nonstop flights from New York to Los Angeles, London to Tel Aviv, or Singapore to Hong Kong. The 2,950 ft takeoff distance is 250 ft shorter than the HondaJet and 400 ft shorter than the Citation CJ4, enabling access to more airports. The combination of speed, range, and runway performance makes the Phenom 300E the most versatile light jet on the market.
4. Powerplant: The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E
- Engine Type: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E turbofan
- Thrust: 3,400 lbf (15.1 kN) each at takeoff
- Bypass Ratio: 3.8:1 (excellent efficiency)
- Compressor: 1-stage fan, 2-stage low-pressure, 5-stage high-pressure
- Turbine: 1-stage high-pressure, 2-stage low-pressure
- Overall Pressure Ratio: 25:1
- Specific Fuel Consumption: 0.63 lb/lbf/hr
- Time Between Overhaul (TBO): 5,000 hours
- Key Features: Dual-channel FADEC, low emissions combustor, advanced noise reduction
- Hot-and-High Performance: Maintains thrust at high-altitude airports (Denver, Mexico City, Bogotá)
"The PW535E engine delivers exceptional thrust-to-weight ratio for the Phenom 300E," said a Pratt & Whitney Canada executive. "With 3,400 lbs of thrust per engine, the Phenom 300E has a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.38 — among the highest in the light jet category. This translates to spectacular climb performance and high cruise speeds. The engine is also remarkably quiet, meeting the most stringent noise regulations at noise-sensitive airports like Santa Monica and Van Nuys." [Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada]
5. Aerodynamics: Speed and Efficiency
- Wing Design: Swept wing with advanced high-lift devices
- Wing Sweep: 23 degrees
- Winglets: Large curved winglets (drag reduction)
- Key Feature: Aerodynamic refinements allow Mach 0.80 cruise
- Manufacturing: Precision-machined aluminum wing
- Leading Edge: Slats for exceptional low-speed lift (short field performance)
- Stall Characteristics: Docile, with clear aerodynamic warning
"The Phenom 300E wing is a masterpiece of aerodynamic engineering," said an Embraer aerodynamicist. "The combination of sweep, winglets, and high-lift devices allows the aircraft to cruise efficiently at Mach 0.80 while still landing at just 2,150 feet. The slats on the leading edge generate enormous lift at low speeds, which is why the Phenom 300E can operate from such short runways. It's the best of both worlds: high-speed cruise and short-field landing." [Source: Embraer]
6. ROAAS: Runway Overrun Awareness System
- System: Embraer Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS)
- Function: Continuously calculates landing distance required vs runway available in real-time
- Factors Considered:
- Aircraft weight
- Wind speed and direction
- Runway condition (dry, wet, contaminated)
- Runway slope
- Outside air temperature
- Pressure altitude
- Alert Types:
- Advisory: "Unstabilized approach"
- Caution: "Long landing"
- Warning: "Runway too short"
- Real-World Impact: Zero runway overruns in the Phenom 300 fleet since ROAAS introduction
- Unique Feature: Only light jet with this technology
"ROAAS is a game-changer for runway safety," said an Embraer safety engineer. "Most runway overruns happen because pilots misjudge landing distance — especially on wet runways or at high-altitude airports. ROAAS calculates landing performance in real-time, factoring in everything from wind to runway slope to contamination. If the runway is too short for current conditions, the system warns the pilot with enough time to go around. It's the most advanced landing safety system in any light jet." [Source: Embraer]
7. Garmin G3000 Avionics: The Pilot's Interface
- Avionics Suite: Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck
- Displays: Three 14-inch high-resolution touchscreen displays
- Primary Flight Display (PFD): Synthetic vision with 3D terrain depiction
- Multi-Function Display (MFD): Moving maps, weather, traffic, terrain, engine data
- Key Features:
- Electronic checklist
- FliteCharts and SafeTaxi airport diagrams
- Garmin Autoland (emergency button that lands the aircraft automatically)
- Garmin Emergency Descent (automatic descent if cabin altitude rises)
- Garmin Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP)
- Integration: Fully integrated with ROAAS and other Embraer-specific systems
"The Garmin G3000 suite brings airline-level avionics to the light jet category," said a Garmin aviation representative. "The three large touchscreen displays reduce pilot workload and improve situational awareness. Synthetic vision shows pilots a 3D rendering of terrain even in zero visibility conditions. And the integration with Embraer's ROAAS adds an extra layer of landing safety that no other light jet can match." [Source: Garmin]
8. Cabin: Comfort and Versatility
- Cabin Height: 4.9 ft (1.5 m) — allows most adults to stand upright
- Cabin Width: 5.1 ft (1.55 m)
- Cabin Length: 17.1 ft (5.21 m)
- Cabin Volume: 368 cu ft (10.4 m³) — largest in light jet category
- Seating Configuration: Club-style (4 facing seats) + 2 forward seats + 1 cockpit jump seat
- Passenger Capacity: Up to 11 (including pilot)
- Lavatory: Private aft lavatory with belted seat — rare in light jets
- Cargo Volume: 70 cu ft (1.98 m³) — external baggage compartment + internal storage
- Key Features:
- Large panoramic windows
- LED cabin lighting (color configurable)
- USB and 110V AC outlets at every seat
- Wi-Fi (Gogo AVANCE L5)
- Climate control (individual seat vents)
"The Phenom 300E cabin is surprisingly spacious for a light jet," said an Embraer cabin designer. "Most light jets force passengers to stoop, but the Phenom's 4.9 ft height allows most adults to stand upright. The private aft lavatory is unheard of in this category — it's typically found only in midsize jets. And the 70 cu ft of baggage space means you can bring everything you need for a week-long business trip." [Source: Embraer]
9. Comparison: Phenom 300E vs Light Jet Competitors
| Specification | Phenom 300E | HondaJet HA-420 | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | 538 mph | 486 mph | 463 mph | 440 mph |
| Max Range | 2,010 nm | 1,486 nm | 1,550 nm | 1,800 nm |
| Takeoff Distance | 2,950 ft | 3,200 ft | 3,350 ft | 2,890 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,150 ft | 2,300 ft | 2,500 ft | 2,500 ft |
| Engines | 2 × PW535E | 2 × HF120 | 2 × FJ44-4A | 2 × FJ44-4A |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,400 lbf | 2,050 lbf | 3,600 lbf | 3,600 lbf |
| Passengers | 7-11 | 5-7 | 6-10 | 6-10 |
| ROAAS | ✅ Standard | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Unit Cost (2026) | $12.0 million | $5.5 million | $9.0 million | $10.5 million |
| Key Innovation | Speed + ROAAS | OTWEM + NLF wing | Payload + Range | Unpaved runway |
↔️ Swipe the table to the right to view all comparison data.
10. The Phenom Program: Production & Market Success
- Production Facilities: São José dos Campos, Brazil (main assembly) + Melbourne, Florida, USA (final assembly for US customers)
- Facility Size: 1.2 million sq ft across both locations
- Production Rate: Approximately 8-10 aircraft per month
- Total Deliveries (as of March 2026): 700+ units delivered since Phenom 300 launch (2009)
- Fleet Hours: 2 million+ cumulative flight hours
- Best-Seller Status: Best-selling light jet in the world for 8+ consecutive years
- Primary Markets: United States (60%), Europe (20%), Latin America (15%), Other (5%)
- Operator Profile: 50% corporate, 30% fractional/charter, 20% private owner
"The Phenom 300E has dominated the light jet category for nearly a decade," said an Embraer sales executive. "We've delivered over 700 aircraft — more than any competitor. The combination of speed, range, runway performance, and cabin comfort is simply unmatched. Even with new competitors entering the market, the Phenom 300E continues to outsell them all." [Source: Embraer]
11. Why It Matters
The Embraer Phenom 300E matters for three reasons. First, it proves that a non-US manufacturer (Brazil) can dominate the American-dominated business aviation market — the Phenom 300E consistently outsells every US-made light jet. Second, it demonstrates that speed, range, and short-field performance can coexist in a single airframe. Third, it sets the standard for runway safety with ROAAS, a technology that has prevented countless accidents.
For Embraer, the Phenom 300E is the cornerstone of its executive jet division, generating billions in revenue and establishing Embraer as a global leader in business aviation. For the light jet industry, it raises the bar for what customers should expect in terms of performance and safety. And for operators, it offers the fastest, longest-range, and most capable light jet on the market.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Embraer Phenom 300E?
The Embraer Phenom 300E is a light business jet manufactured by Embraer in São José dos Campos, Brazil. It is the best-selling light jet in the world and the fastest light jet in production.
How fast is the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E has a top speed of 538 mph (464 knots, Mach 0.80) at altitude — faster than any other light jet in production.
What is the range of the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E has a maximum range of 2,010 nautical miles (2,313 miles, 3,722 km) with 4 passengers.
What engines power the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E turbofan engines, each producing 3,400 lbs of thrust.
How many passengers can the Phenom 300E carry?
The Phenom 300E can carry up to 11 passengers (including the cockpit jump seat) in a club-style cabin configuration.
What is ROAAS?
ROAAS (Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System) is Embraer's proprietary safety system that continuously calculates landing performance in real-time and warns pilots if the runway is too short for current conditions.
What is the takeoff distance of the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E can take off in just 2,950 feet (899 m) at maximum takeoff weight — among the shortest in its class.
Is the Phenom 300E made in Brazil?
Yes, the Phenom 300E is designed and assembled in São José dos Campos, Brazil. Final assembly for US customers also occurs in Melbourne, Florida, USA.
How much does a Phenom 300E cost?
As of 2026, a new Embraer Phenom 300E has a list price of approximately $12.0 million.
Is the Phenom 300E the best-selling light jet?
Yes, the Phenom 300 series has been the best-selling light jet in the world for eight consecutive years, with over 700 units delivered since launch.
13. The Future of Embraer Executive Jets
The Phenom 300E is not the end of Embraer's innovation — it is the current flagship of a growing portfolio. Embraer is developing the next-generation Phenom (unofficially called "Phenom 400") with even longer range and higher speed. The company is also exploring hybrid-electric propulsion for future executive jets and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) compatibility across its fleet.
For Embraer, the Phenom 300E proves that the company can compete with — and beat — established US manufacturers in the light jet category. For the business aviation industry, it demonstrates that speed, range, and safety can be combined in a single airframe. And for operators, it offers the ultimate light jet: the fastest, longest-range, and most capable in its class.
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Sources: Embraer, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Garmin, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Speedo Science Database
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