Brazil · manufacturer
Embraer Executive Jets
Brazilian Embraer was founded in 1969. Its business aviation grew from the Legacy program based on the regional ERJ, and then received specially designed families Phenom, Legacy 450/500 and Praetor.
Phenom · Praetor
The history of Embraer: from Brazil to world aviation
Embraer was founded on 19 August 1969 as a mixed-capital company under state control. Its origins are linked to Brazil’s CTA and ITA engineering institutions and the Bandeirante project developed by Ozires Silva’s team. Manufacturing began in January 1970 in São José dos Campos. Passenger and military programmes laid the foundations for further growth.
Embraer entered business aviation with the Legacy 600, based on the regional ERJ. It then moved to purpose-built business jets: the Phenom and Legacy 450/500. The Praetor family was introduced in 2018. This progression shows how the experience of a large aircraft manufacturer gradually developed into a distinct approach to business aviation.
Phenom · Praetor
Engineering philosophy: building around the customer’s needs
Embraer Executive Jets links its approach to engineering innovation and continuous improvements in the customer experience. The work encompasses the aircraft, interior and maintenance, using feedback from owners and crews to develop models. Experience in passenger and military aviation provides a foundation for new business aircraft platforms.
One example is the digital fly-by-wire system on the Praetor 500 and 600, which actively reduces the effects of turbulence. It detects disturbances and adjusts control surfaces to help smooth the ride. The technology addresses a need passengers can readily understand: reducing the shaking they feel. Together with cabin development, it shows how engineering relates to the everyday travel experience.
Phenom · Praetor
Phenom, Praetor and the larger Legacys
The Phenom 100 is a very light jet and the Phenom 300 a light jet. The Praetor 500 and 600 offer larger cabins and greater long-range capability. In February 2026, Embraer introduced the updated Praetor 500E and 600E with passenger cabin changes; the additional letter identifies a specific version.
The Legacy 600/650 and Lineage 1000 retain links to regional passenger platforms and take a different approach to cabin volume. Compare them with the Phenom and Praetor against the intended journey: passenger numbers, baggage, flight duration and airport requirements. A larger aircraft is particularly valuable when its space will actually be used.
Model catalogue
Aircraft Embraer Executive Jets
Phenoms serve small groups; Praetors offer longer range and more cabin space.