Embraer Begins Delivery of UK Military Trainer Phenoms

Embraer handed over the first of five Phenom 100s to Affinity Flight Training Services yesterday. The entry-level twinjets will be used to provide fixed-wing flight training under the UK Ministry of Defence’s Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) program. In addition to the firm orders for five Phenoms, the contract includes support and options for follow-on aircraft.

Under the program, the UK is replacing aging platforms with a new integrated training system that encompasses aircraft, ground-based training devices and courseware. The training program spans elementary, basic and advanced flight training. Ascent Flight Training, the trainer service provider of the UKMFTS, developed the integrated training system and selected Affinity in 2014 to provide and maintain the aircraft or the program

“The departure of the first Embraer Phenom 100 from Brazil, en route to the UK, marks a significant milestone in preparation for delivering the [UKMFTS] fixed-wing program,” said Affinity managing director Iain Chalmers, who added that the delivery took place ahead of schedule.