Business & GA

Embraer has announced plans to set up its first aircraft assembly line in the USA, selecting Melbourne, Florida for production of its Phenom 100 and 300 business jets.
The Brazilian manufacturer plans to invest an “estimated $50 million" to construct a 13,900sqm (150,000sqft) factory, which will also incorporate a paint shop and a delivery and customer design centre.
If the proposal gains state and local government approval, Embraer expects to create “approximately 200 skilled positions by 2011".
Embraer president and CEO Frederico Fleury Curado says the US factory is required to enable the company to “respond to the growing demands of its executive jets business”.
Embraer had previously announced plans to manufacture ERJ-145s in Jacksonville as part of its successful bid for the US Army’s Aerial Common Sensor contract, but these were shelved after the deal was cancelled because the mission system grew too large for the aircraft.