Flexjet (LXJ, Cleveland Cuyahoga Country) has told Reuters it remains committed to a deal worth up to USD7 billion for 182 aircraft plus options for 30 more, signed with Embraer Executive Jets in February, despite a new 50% tariff on Brazilian imports announced by United States President Donald Trump, set to take effect on August 1.
"Based on my 40 years in the industry, this group of purchasers tends to proceed with their decisions regardless, given their priorities and past purchasing behaviour," Flexjet chairman Kenneth Ricci said in a statement.
Ricci added that aircraft already on order from foreign manufacturers are currently protected by existing agreements. If tariffs increase, manufacturers are expected to absorb some of the initial costs. However, over time, those added costs will likely be passed on to buyers.
Deliveries for Flexjet's order, which mainly comprises Praetor 500s and Praetor 600s, along with a number of Phenom 300E jets, are expected to begin in 2026.
Flexjet currently operates 143 Embraer aircraft in the United States, including thirty-five Phenom 300s, twenty-six Phenom 300Es, sixty-eight Praetor 500s, and fourteen Praetor 600s. In addition, Flexjet Operations (Malta) manages four Legacy 500s and six Praetor 600s, while Flexjet Operations (United Kingdom) operates three Praetor 600s.
Meanwhile, Embraer is currently assessing the potential impact of the tariff hike, which will rise from 10% to 50% on August 1, and plans to provide further details during a second-quarter earnings call scheduled for August 15.
The manufacturer assembles all Phenom-series jets at Melbourne, FL, and Praetor-family aircraft both at Melbourne and São José dos Campos U.E. Stumpf International, which allows for partial tariff mitigation due to the incorporation of United States-made components. The Praetor jets’ wings are manufactured in Portugal, while the fuselages are produced in Brazil.
