This article is based on an official press release from Embraer and additional industry data.

Embraer Phenom 300 Series Secures Title as World’s Best-Selling Light Jet for 14th Consecutive Year

On February 18, 2026, Embraer announced that its Phenom 300 series has once again claimed the top spot as the world’s best-selling light jet. According to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) 2025 year-end shipment report, this marks the 14th consecutive year the aircraft has led its category. Additionally, the Phenom 300 retained its status as the most delivered twin-engine jet for the sixth year in a row.

The Brazilian aerospace manufacturer reported 72 deliveries of the Phenom 300 series in 2025, a figure that represents the program’s highest annual delivery volume of the current decade. With a global fleet now exceeding 900 aircraft operating in 70 countries, the platform continues to demonstrate sustained appeal among owner-operators and corporate flight departments alike.

Market Dominance by the Numbers

The latest data from GAMA underscores the significant gap between the Phenom 300 and its competitors. Embraer’s delivery of 72 units in 2025 highlights a robust production capability and strong market demand. The fleet has accumulated over 2.9 million flight hours, a metric that reinforces the aircraft’s reliability and high utilization rates.

Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets, attributed the aircraft’s longevity at the top of the charts to its focus on customer priorities.

“The Phenom 300E continues to dominate the light jet category because it delivers what customers value most: unmatched performance, advanced technology, and an exceptional ownership experience. Year after year, the Phenom 300E remains the benchmark in its class, reinforcing its leadership position and the trust our customers place in our brand.”

Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets

Performance and Technological Edge

The current production version, the Phenom 300E, maintains its lead through a combination of speed, range, and avionics sophistication. It remains the fastest light jet in production, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 0.80. With a range of 2,010 nautical miles (3,724 km) carrying five occupants and NBAA IFR reserves, the aircraft can perform nonstop missions such as Miami to New York or London to Athens.

According to Embraer, the aircraft’s single-pilot certification is a critical selling point, offering operators lower operating costs and greater scheduling flexibility. Safety innovations also play a major role in its market positioning; the Phenom 300 was the first business jet to certify a Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS). Recent updates to the Garmin G3000-based Prodigy Touch flight deck, including autothrottle functionality, have further reduced pilot workload.

AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape

While Embraer celebrates another year of leadership, the broader light jet market faced distinct challenges and shifts in 2025. Industry data indicates that while the Phenom 300 surged, key rivals encountered headwinds.

The Pilatus PC-24, often cited as a versatile competitor due to its rough-field capabilities, saw its delivery numbers impacted by trade policy. In late 2025, the U.S. government imposed 39% tariffs on Swiss goods, which forced a temporary halt in deliveries to the United States, Pilatus’s largest market. This geopolitical factor likely widened the delivery gap between the PC-24 and the Phenom 300 for the reporting period.

Meanwhile, the HondaJet Elite II continues to ramp up production but remains a lower-volume player. Industry projections for 2025 placed HondaJet deliveries in the range of 14 to 15 units, significantly trailing Embraer’s 72 units. Textron Aviation remains the most direct threat with its Cessna Citation series. The announcement of “Gen3” updates for the CJ3 and CJ4, featuring new autothrottles and emergency autoland systems expected in 2026 and 2027, suggests that Embraer will face tighter competition in the near future.

Operational Footprint and Support

To support the growing fleet of over 900 aircraft, Embraer has invested heavily in its support network. The company has aggressively expanded its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capacity in key U.S. hubs like Texas and Florida. This strategy aims to maintain high dispatch reliability and customer loyalty, ensuring that the ownership experience matches the aircraft’s performance metrics.

With an estimated list price of approximately $11–$13 million depending on configuration, the Phenom 300E continues to command a premium position in the light jet sector. As the market moves into 2026, the focus will likely shift to how competitors respond to Embraer’s dominance and whether supply chain stabilizations allow rivals to close the delivery gap.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Phenom 300 jets were delivered in 2025?

Embraer delivered 72 Phenom 300 series aircraft in 2025, the highest annual volume for the program this decade.

What is the range of the Phenom 300E?

The aircraft has a range of 2,010 nautical miles (3,724 km) with five occupants and NBAA IFR reserves.

Is the Phenom 300 single-pilot certified?

Yes, the Phenom 300 series is certified for single-pilot operations, which is a key factor in its popularity among owner-operators.

Sources: Embraer Press Release, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)