Wheels Up orders six Phenom 300Es in its first direct Embraer deal

Wheels Up has signed a definitive agreement with Embraer Executive Aircraft for six factory-new Phenom 300Es, while continuing to dispose of aircraft that no longer fit its strategy. Deliveries are expected during the third and fourth quarters of 2027, and the aircraft will join a controlled fleet that already includes 29 Phenom 300-series aircraft. The company described the agreement as its first direct purchase from Embraer after nearly three years of discussions. "Having completed our fleet modernization program earlier this year, over 18 months ahead of schedule, we have seen strong growth in demand for our Signature membership offering, supported by our best-in-class fleet of Phenom and Challenger aircraft. We have welcomed more than 1,500 Signature members to the program in its first year since launch," said Wheels Up CEO George Mattson. "Embraer has been a valued partner to Wheels Up for years, and this agreement marks an important next chapter in that relationship. The decision to acquire factory-new Phenom 300Es reflects the strong demand trends we are seeing in our business and our commitment to investing in a consistent, premium experience for our customers." Wheels Up's third quarter report showed the company becoming increasingly concentrated around the Phenom 300 and Challenger 300 families. Premium-fleet aircraft increased from 24 to 43 year over year, and revenue from the premium fleet rose 120% while legacy-fleet revenue declined 44%. At the same time, the company continued disposing of King Air 350i and Hawker 400XP aircraft it had previously removed from service. The combination of the order and the quarterly results provides a clearer view of how Wheels Up intends to build its operating fleet. Utilization figures show both fleets remain heavily used within the company's operation. Wheels Up continues directing capital toward aircraft categories that are already producing the majority of its premium-fleet activity. The six-aircraft order extends that trend into 2027 rather than introducing a new fleet category. Why it matters For charter operators, fleet buyers, and aircraft owners, the order serves as a demand-side data point for the light-jet segment. Wheels Up had multiple options available for future fleet growth and chose additional factory-new Phenom 300Es with 2027 delivery positions. Phenom and Challenger utilization both climbed year over year last quarter, with the Challenger fleet averaging 66.9 flight hours per aircraft a month, up from 52.6, and the order signals Wheels Up expects that pace to hold into 2027.