The True Operating Cost of Embraer Phenom 100
The Embraer Phenom 100 is a modern light jet offering 8-seat capacity, superior avionics, and exceptional value. Plan for $580,000–$750,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $5,800–$7,500 per hour. The Phenom 100 dominates light jet value markets.
Quick Specs: Embraer Phenom 100
| Specification | Phenom 100 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney JT15D (2,200 lbf each) |
| Fuel Burn | 210–250 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 440–480 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 43,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 3,800–4,400 lbs |
| Seats | 8 |
| Range | 2,000–2,500 nm |
TL;DR: Embraer Phenom 100 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $180,000–$250,000/year (insurance $65,000–$95,000, hangar $80,000–$120,000, annuals $35,000–$50,000)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $400,000–$500,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves, maintenance)
- Total at 100 hours: $580,000–$750,000/year (~$5,800–$7,500/hour)
- Finance an $18,000,000 Phenom 100: Add $261,800/month ($3,141,600/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$380,000–$500,000/year (~$7,600–$10,000/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$980,000–$1,250,000/year (~$4,900–$6,250/hour)
Light Jet Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $65,000–$95,000/year for $15M–$22M hull
- Hangar: $80,000–$120,000/year (light jet facility)
- Annual inspection: $35,000–$50,000 labor
- Crew training: $20,000–$30,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 230 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$1,265/hour
- Engine reserves: $36–$48/hour ($210K per engine ÷ 5,000 TBO × 2)
- Maintenance: $200–$300/hour
- Landing fees: $200–$500/landing
- Avionics: $100–$150/hour
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 11,500 | $63,250 | $1,265 |
| 100 | 23,000 | $126,500 | $1,265 |
| 150 | 34,500 | $189,750 | $1,265 |
| 200 | 46,000 | $253,000 | $1,265 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Pratt & Whitney JT15D Engines
- JT15D: 5,000 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $210,000–$280,000 per engine
- Combined reserve: $490,000 ÷ 5,000 = $98/hour
- Reliability: Proven light jet engine
Light Jet Maintenance
- Engine system checks: $25,000–$40,000/year
- Avionics: $15,000–$25,000/year
- Pressurization/environmental: $12,000–$18,000/year
- Landing gear service: $8,000–$12,000/year
- Budget: $320–$420/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Light Jet Insurance
- $15,000,000 hull: $65,000–$80,000/year
- $22,000,000 hull: $90,000–$120,000/year
- Charter operations: +25–40% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Light Jet Hangar | $6,500–$10,000 | $78,000–$120,000 |
| Tie-Down | $1,500–$2,500 | $18,000–$30,000 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $215,000 | $200,000 | $415,000 | $8,300 |
| 100 | $215,000 | $400,000 | $615,000 | $6,150 |
| 200 | $215,000 | $800,000 | $1,015,000 | $5,075 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $18,000,000 Embraer Phenom 100, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $3,141,600/year.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $615,000 | $3,141,600 | $3,756,600 | $37,566 |
| 200 | $1,015,000 | $3,141,600 | $4,156,600 | $20,783 |
Financing the Embraer Phenom 100
- Purchase price: $15,000,000–$22,000,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $12,000,000–$18,000,000
- Term: 10–12 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $220,000–$520,000
Lender Requirements: 700+ credit, aviation experience, $2,000,000+ net worth, detailed flight plan, hull insurance $15M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support light jet financing.
Embraer Phenom 100 vs. Competitors
- vs. Cessna Citation CJ1+: Phenom 100 modern cabin; CJ1+ proven reliability
- vs. Bombardier Learjet 40XR: Phenom 100 better value; Learjet sportier handling
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Sources: Embraer Phenom Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS