There will be more unveiling ceremonies— perhaps also with a
miniature fireworks display— like the one yesterday if Embraer president and CEO
Maur'cio Botelho keeps his word. Moments before the covers were pulled from
fuselage mock-ups at Booth 5559, Botelho spoke of what were previously known as
the LJ and VLJ, Embraer's first light and very light business jets, and avowed,
"We intend to be a strength in this market— and not just with these two and the
Legacy 600."
The names Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 (pronounced "fee-nom")
were seen emblazoned on the sides of the VLJ and LJ as the covers fell to the
ground at 11 a.m. yesterday, pulled respectively by Botelho and Embraer's
senior vp of executive aviation, Luis Carlos Affonso.
"The Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 reaffirm Embraer's commitment
to the business aviation market, started when we launched the Legacy, setting
new standards for cabin space and comfort, privacy, dispatch reliability and
performance," said Botelho. "When selecting a name for Embraer's new executive
jet family, we found the Phenom name came out very strongly, and better
translated its superior characteristics and ability to offer an unbound flight
experience."
Despite 1,800,000 mentions on a Google search— ranging from
encryption software through a gymnastics training organization to a designer of
denim clothing— Phenom is neither English nor Portuguese, although its
similarity to both phenomenon and fenòmeno is obvious.
