Embraer Executive Jets made its first international delivery of a U.S.-made Phenom 100 when Canadian Businessman Tasso Kostelidis took delivery on March 31.

"Canada is a strong and growing market for Embraer," said Vice President Sales-North America Bob Knebel as he joined Kostelidis at the end of the three-day delivery process. "This is a significant delivery when you consider this is only the third delivery from our Melbourne production line. This speaks well of the experience and maturity of our team."

Kostelidis, who is an instrument-rated private pilot and who joined his corporate pilot in receiving training from Embraer's training partner, CAE in Dallas, will use the Phenom 100 to connect his far-flung network of distribution centers in Canada. He currently has four warehouses for his packaging and materials business which is based in Montreal. Two additional warehouses are in development and the Phenom 100 will also be used to check on construction progress.

"I began this process in 2007 when most aircraft offered in this class were still on the drawing board," said Kostelidis, President of Conglom, who is looking forward to taking the helm of his new aircraft when he can. "I was looking at four or five aircraft. After studying the statistics and the performance and learning about Embraer and its ability to deliver on its promises, I concluded this would best meet my needs. If I went through the same process now and all the planes that were on the drawing board back then were flying, I am certain I would be exactly where I am today in taking delivery of a Phenom 100."

Contributed by Embraer