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Embraer opens first U.S.-based Global Customer Center

E EdwardsDec. 6, 2011 – Wings Magazine was on hand in Melbourne, Florida yesterday for the grand opening of Embraer's first U.S.-based Global Customer Center and the delivery the first Pheonom 100 assembled in the United States to Robert Taylor, CEO of Executive AirShare.


December 6, 2011  By Melissa Damota

Dec. 6, 2011 – Wings Magazine was on hand in Melbourne, Florida yesterday for the grand opening of Embraer's first U.S.-based Global Customer Center and the delivery the first Pheonom 100 assembled in the United States to Robert Taylor, CEO of Executive AirShare.

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Ernest Edwards, President Embraer Executive Jets, field questions from the media in the mock-up display gallery of the company's new Global Customer Center, opened yesterday in Melbourne, Florida. Photo: Alison de Groot.


 

The new 58,000-square-foot Customer Center completes a total complex of more than 150,000 square feet that also includes assembly and paint facilities. Located at the Melbourne International Airport, the facility will serve as the global headquarters for Embraer's Executive Jets division.

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The second through fourth Phenom 100s to be fully assembled in the U.S. are currently on the line at Embraer Executive Jets new Global Customer Center and assembly plant in Melbourne, Florida.  The first U.S. assembled Phenom 100 was delivered at yesterday's grand opening ceremony to Robert Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Executive AirShare. Photo: Alison de Groot.

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“It is a historic day for Embraer. After 32 years of continuous presence in the United States, we are extremely proud to have reached full-fledged operations that not only assembles aircraft in a state-of-the-art paperless factory, but also hosts our executive jet customers in the equally impressive Customer Center,” says Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President and CEO.

A bevy of U.S., state, and local government officials were on hand to mark the completion of Embraer's $50 Million investment in Florida's "Space Coast", including Florida Governor Rick Scott. With 110 employees already, including 19 former NASA Shuttle Program staffers, and plans for another 90 when it reaches full production, Embraer has been a much welcomed addition to the area.

The company plans to complete 30 aircraft at the facility in 2012 and double that in 2013. Currently, the production line is set up for Phenom 100s with expectations to add 300s by the second half of 2012. At full capacity, the facility is set up to deliver 100 aircraft per year.

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