Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

If midyear results are any indication, the HA-420 HondaJet could be the most delivered light jet in 2017. If it pulls off the feat, the HondaJet would assume the title from the Embraer Phenom 300, which has been the best seller in this category for four years running.

 


According to the <a href="https://gama.aero/wp-content/uploads/2017ShipmentReportQ2-Airplane.pdf">latest statistics from GAMA</a>, Honda Aircraft delivered 24 of its light jets in the first half, while Embraer shipped 20 Phenom 300s. However, on the manufacturing side, Embraer has the upper hand. Greensboro, North Carolina-based Honda Aircraft is currently manufacturing HondaJets at a rate of about four per month, and it won’t ramp up to its capacity of 80 aircraft a year until March 2019. Embraer Executive Jets’ facility in Melbourne, Florida, currently has the capacity to assemble up to 96 Phenoms annually, and more if a third shift is added.

 


“Our forecast is that the Phenom 300 will once again lead the overall market in unit shipments in 2017, in excess of 60 units,"&nbsp;JetNet iQ managing director Rollie Vincent told AIN. "Embraer tends to have a very strong fourth quarter; it delivered 25 Phenom 300s in fourth-quarter 2016.” While noting it is more difficult to forecast HondaJet deliveries at this early stage in the aircraft’s history, he said, “We believe Honda will end the year somewhere around 3.5 aircraft per month, or 42 shipments.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

HondaJet, Phenom 300 Spar for Top Light Jet Sales Title

If it pulls off the feat, the HondaJet would assume the title from the Embraer Phenom 300, which has been the best seller in this category for four years.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

The airframer saw major growth and $1.4 billion in revenues

Embraer Posts Record First-quarter Results

Kerry Lynch

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Aircraft delivered through contract with Jet Aviation

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News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

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News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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