Consultant Urges Embraer to Enter Large-Cabin Jet Market Amid Growth Potential
Embraer is under renewed pressure to expand its business jet portfolio into the large-cabin segment, as industry experts argue the Brazilian manufacturer is well-positioned to challenge Gulfstream, Bombardier, and Dassault in one of aviation’s most lucrative markets.
During Embraer’s Investors Day event at the New York Stock Exchange, Dean Roberts, vice president of strategy and sustainability at Rolland Vincent Associates, called on Embraer Executive Jets president and CEO Michael Amalfitano to confirm whether the company will move forward with developing a large business jet. Roberts said that with Embraer’s success in the light and midsize categories, the next logical step is expansion into larger aircraft.
“You’ve got success,” Roberts said. “But if you want to keep growing long term, you have to move into large aircraft. That’s where the biggest value and fastest growth are.” He added that major manufacturers have left a “gap” at the lower end of the large-cabin market, providing Embraer with an opportunity for disruption similar to what it achieved with its Phenom and Praetor families.
Amalfitano did not confirm any plans but acknowledged that Embraer is “actively studying” the segment. “You have to do it thoughtfully,” he said. “If we’re going to disrupt another market, we must do it right. You can’t show up with a ‘me-too’ product—it has to have differentiation and disruptive characteristics.”
Embraer’s experience in the large-jet category dates back to its Legacy 600/650 and Lineage 1000 programs, both of which were phased out by 2020 as the company shifted focus to its more efficient and profitable Phenom and Praetor families. Today, Embraer commands roughly 31% of the light and midsize jet market, underscoring its dominance in that segment. Its business jet lineup spans from the compact Phenom 100 to the long-range Praetor 600, widely recognized for offering the best balance of range, performance, and operating cost in its class—while the now-retired Lineage 1000 remains a benchmark for the company’s capability to build ultra-large aircraft.
Here’s a comprehensive comparison of Embraer’s key private jets—both current and legacy—including the Phenom 100/300, Praetor 500/600, and the now-discontinued Legacy 600/650 and Lineage 1000. This chart highlights their performance, range, and passenger capacity to help operators and buyers evaluate suitability across mission profiles.
Embraer Private Jet Comparison
| Model | Entry Year | Seats (Max) | Range (nm) | Cruise Speed (Mach) | Cabin Length (ft) | Baggage Volume (cu ft) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phenom 100EV | 2008 | 7 | 1,178 | 0.70 | 11.0 | 70 | Active |
| Phenom 300E | 2009 | 10 | 2,010 | 0.78 | 17.2 | 84 | Active |
| Praetor 500 | 2019 | 9 | 3,340 | 0.83 | 24.0 | 150 | Active |
| Praetor 600 | 2019 | 12 | 4,018 | 0.83 | 27.5 | 155 | Active |
| Legacy 600 | 2002 | 13 | 3,250 | 0.80 | 42.4 | 240 | Discontinued |
| Legacy 650 | 2010 | 13 | 3,900 | 0.80 | 42.4 | 286 | Discontinued |
| Lineage 1000 | 2009 | 19 | 4,600 | 0.82 | 84.4 | 443 | Discontinued |
Market trends may also be shifting in Embraer’s favor. Amalfitano noted that post-pandemic recovery patterns defied expectations, with growth driven primarily by smaller aircraft categories rather than large-cabin jets. However, industry confidence has rebounded sharply in 2025, suggesting renewed potential in all business aviation segments.
Roberts agreed, saying that the business aviation sector’s clientele—representing the top 10% of global wealth—remains less affected by inflation and economic turbulence. “We’re seeing stronger buying confidence heading into the next cycle,” he said.
Embraer’s financial stability adds to the speculation. The company has recovered from pandemic-related losses, achieved investment-grade credit ratings from major agencies, and posted strong margins across its business units. Analysts at Credit Suisse forecast that global wealth will rise by 20% by 2029, further expanding the potential customer base for high-end private jets.
Still, any move into the large-cabin sector would require Embraer to balance priorities with its ongoing commercial ambitions. The manufacturer continues to explore opportunities to compete with Airbus and Boeing in the next-generation narrowbody market, and resources for a new business jet program would have to compete with those plans.
For now, Amalfitano says Embraer is focused on timing and execution: “We’re taking our time to make the right decision. When we decide to enter the market, it will be because we’re ready to redefine it—just as we’ve done before.”
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=embraer, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/business-aviation/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ainonline.com, embraer.com