CPI Aero Secures $4.2M Embraer Order for Phenom 300 Jet Components

EDGEWOOD, NY – February 26, 2026 – By Kevin Lee

CPI Aerostructures, Inc., a key supplier in the global aerospace and defense market, today announced it has received additional orders totaling $4.2 million from Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer S.A. The new work order is for the continued production of engine inlet assemblies, a critical component for the highly successful Phenom 300 series of business jets.

This latest award is part of a long-standing “Life of Program Agreement” between the two companies, reinforcing a strategic partnership that has been in place for over a decade. The new orders will extend deliveries through the middle of 2026, providing a stable revenue stream for the New York-based manufacturer and ensuring a seamless supply chain for one of the world's most popular light jets. The announcement signals strong confidence from Embraer in CPI Aero's manufacturing capabilities and underscores the robust, ongoing demand for the Phenom 300.

A Partnership Forged in Success

The relationship between CPI Aero and Embraer is a case study in the importance of reliable, long-term supplier partnerships in the complex world of aircraft manufacturing. Since 2012, CPI Aero has been the trusted manufacturer for the Phenom 300's engine inlets, having delivered over 940 shipsets as of December 2025. This long-term consistency is vital for an aircraft program that relies on a global network of specialized suppliers to maintain its production tempo and quality standards.

In the aerospace industry, a “Life of Program Agreement” is a significant commitment. It moves beyond transactional, order-by-order business to establish a deep, integrated relationship. For Embraer, it guarantees a stable supply of a mission-critical assembly from a proven partner. For CPI Aero, it provides predictable, long-term revenue and solidifies its position as a Tier 1 supplier to one of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world.

“CPI Aero has been a supplier of Engine Inlets to Embraer since 2012,” stated Dorith Hakim, CPI Aero’s CEO & President, in the company's press release. “CPI is proud of Embraer’s continued trust to deliver high quality subassemblies in support of this industry leading aircraft and ready to increase capacity to support this strategic customer.”

Hakim's statement about being “ready to increase capacity” suggests that both companies anticipate continued strong performance for the Phenom 300, signaling potential for further growth in the partnership.

The Soaring Phenom 300 and its Supply Chain

The new orders for CPI Aero are directly fueled by the remarkable and sustained market dominance of the Embraer Phenom 300. In 2025, Embraer delivered 72 units of the light jet, a figure that represents the highest annual delivery volume for the model in 15 years. This performance firmly cements the Phenom 300 as the leader in its class and creates a powerful ripple effect across its supply chain.

The aircraft's success is no accident. It has consistently won favor with private owners, corporate flight departments, and fractional ownership programs due to its best-in-class combination of speed, range, cabin comfort, and operational efficiency. It competes fiercely in a crowded market against formidable rivals like Textron Aviation's Cessna Citation series (including the M2, CJ3+, and CJ4 Gen2), the versatile Pilatus PC-24, and the technologically advanced HondaJet Elite II. The Phenom 300's ability to consistently outperform these competitors translates directly into sustained production rates and, consequently, a steady flow of orders for its key suppliers.

This dynamic illustrates the symbiotic relationship between an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) like Embraer and its Tier 1 partners. The success of a final product—the aircraft—is inextricably linked to the quality, reliability, and performance of the thousands of components sourced from specialists like CPI Aero. This $4.2 million order is not just a transaction; it is a reflection of the market's validation of the Phenom 300 platform.

Engineering the Unseen: The Critical Role of Engine Inlets

While passengers admire an aircraft's sleek lines and luxurious cabin, its performance and safety depend on countless complex components engineered to exacting standards. The engine inlet assemblies produced by CPI Aero are a prime example of this hidden, high-stakes engineering. Far from being a simple piece of metal, the engine inlet is a sophisticated aerostructure that plays a crucial role in aircraft performance.

Its primary function is to channel a smooth, uniform flow of air into the jet engine under all flight conditions—from takeoff to high-altitude cruise. Any distortion in this airflow can significantly reduce engine efficiency, increase fuel burn, and, in extreme cases, compromise engine stability. Therefore, the design and manufacturing of these inlets require immense precision in structural assembly, welding, and quality assurance to ensure they maintain their specific aerodynamic shape and structural integrity against immense physical forces.

CPI Aero has carved out a niche in this highly specialized field. The company operates as both a prime contractor to the U.S. Department of Defense and a Tier 1 subcontractor for commercial giants, demonstrating a high level of qualification. Its competitive advantage lies in its integrated approach, which combines engineering, program management, and complex assembly operations. This capability allows it to compete with other major aerostructures manufacturers like Spirit AeroSystems and Safran, securing its place in the supply chains of industry-leading aircraft.

Navigating Market Dynamics and Future Growth

The order arrives at a pivotal time for both the business aviation market and CPI Aerostructures. The broader business jet market has shown remarkable resilience, with demand for private and corporate travel remaining robust. This trend is driven by factors including a global increase in high-net-worth individuals, the need for corporate travel efficiency, and a post-pandemic preference for the safety and flexibility of private aviation. The light and medium jet segments, where the Phenom 300 excels, have been particularly active.

For CPI Aero, this $4.2 million order contributes to a strengthening backlog, which stood at a reported $509 million as of September 2025. This provides a solid foundation for the company as it continues to move past historical challenges. The company settled with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in mid-2024 over past financial reporting issues and has been working to remediate internal controls. Against this backdrop, the continued confidence from a strategic partner like Embraer serves as a powerful endorsement of the company's operational strength and forward-looking trajectory.

The commitment to potentially increase production capacity at its Edgewood, New York facility indicates a proactive strategy to align with the positive market trends and the sustained demand for its partner's flagship product. This new order, while a single data point, encapsulates the intricate and interdependent nature of the modern aerospace industry, where the success of a single aircraft can lift an entire ecosystem of specialized, high-technology suppliers.