Wheels Up orders six new Embraer Phenom 300E jets for 2027 delivery
The membership aviation service has signed a definitive agreement with Embraer for six factory-new light jets, its first direct purchase from the manufacturer.
Wheels Up Experience Inc. announced November 5 that it has committed to buying six Phenom 300E jets from Embraer, with deliveries expected in the second half of 2027. This marks the company’s first direct aircraft purchase from the manufacturer, according to PR Newswire. Each jet will come equipped with satellite Wi-Fi, consistent with Wheels Up’s existing Phenom and Challenger aircraft.
The new aircraft will expand Wheels Up’s controlled fleet to include 35 Phenom models and 15 Bombardier Challenger 300 series jets, all satellite Wi-Fi enabled. The purchase follows nearly three years of discussion between the two companies about adding new aircraft to the operator’s inventory.
Growth in membership demand
Wheels Up completed its fleet modernization earlier this year, finishing roughly 18 months sooner than originally planned, the company said. That accelerated timeline has coincided with strong uptake of the Signature membership program, which attracted more than 1,500 members within its first year. CEO George Mattson linked the aircraft order directly to membership momentum: “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.”
The Phenom 300E platform
The 300E variant is positioned by Embraer as delivering strong operational efficiency, dependability, range and passenger comfort. Michael Amalfitano, who leads Embraer’s Executive Jets division, noted that the agreement “reflects the work and planning that began in 2024 to bring new Phenom 300E aircraft into their fleet.”
Wheels Up’s broader transformation
The aircraft order sits within Wheels Up’s larger business restructuring. Over three years, the company has streamlined operations, refined its fleet composition, and reorganized its commercial and service infrastructure globally. A strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines allows Wheels Up members to combine private aviation access with mainstream commercial travel perks. The operator also runs Air Partner Cargo, which handles freight services for private clients and government bodies.
This article was compiled by the CityLifeBytes editorial desk from the official announcements and reporting listed under Sources.
