Can a light private jet land itself? Yes, from 2028

On 25 August 2026 Embraer said the Phenom 300EV is certified in Brazil (ANAC), the United States (FAA) and Europe (EASA). It is the first light jet, and the largest business jet so far, cleared to use Garmin Emergency Autoland. Deliveries start in 2028. You cannot book this airframe yet. The jet you fly today on a typical European light-jet charter is still a Phenom 300E, a Citation, or another type already on an operator’s AOC.

Call a Jet is an independent charter broker, not an airline and not Embraer. We do not sell the 300EV. We arrange licensed aircraft. This article is about what the new type can do, and what you can actually fly now.

Can a light jet land itself?

On the Phenom 300EV, yes, in an emergency. Garmin Emergency Autoland can fly a fully automatic landing if the pilot is incapacitated. It is a safety system, not a way to fly without a crew. Charter flights in Europe still go with a licensed crew. Autoland is there if that crew cannot finish the flight.

Embraer says the 300EV is the first light jet with this system as standard, and the largest bizjet certified with it so far. Garmin’s Emergency Autoland already exists on smaller piston and turboprop types. Putting it on a light jet that can do 2,055 nm is the news.

What does Autoland actually do?

In an emergency it can take the aircraft to a suitable airport, talk to air traffic control, land, and stop. A passenger can also trigger it if they have to. It is built for the rare case that nobody in the cockpit can fly. It is not a button for a normal arrival into Geneva or Palma.

The 300EV also adds autobrake and rudder-by-wire, via an Embraer box they call the Multi-Purpose Electronic Controller. That is how the jet can manage the landing without a pilot on the pedals.

When can I charter a Phenom 300EV?

Not yet. Embraer introduced the type in July 2026 and certified it on 25 August 2026. First customer deliveries are planned for 2028. After that it still has to show up on a charter operator’s fleet before we can quote it.

Until then, a Phenom 300E is the bookable sister. Range on the 300EV is 2,055 nautical miles with four passengers and NBAA IFR reserves, up from 2,010 nm on the 300E. That is a small step, not a new class of jet. Embraer also quotes more payload, line-fit Gogo Galileo cabin internet, and Starlink later as an aftermarket option.

What can I book today?

A light jet for Europe: Cologne–Palma, Geneva–London, Munich–Nice. The Phenom 300E, Citation CJ3/CJ4, and similar types already do those routes every week. They do not have Emergency Autoland. They do have two pilots on most charter flights, or a qualified single pilot where the operator and the type allow it.

If Autoland is the reason you asked, say so when you inquire. We can tell you which types in the live fleet have it once 300EVs actually enter service. Until 2028 the honest answer is: none of the Phenom 300s we quote.

Prices on charter and empty-leg offers are estimates. After we check the aircraft you get a binding offer.

If the trip is one-way and you can flex the airport or the hour, look at empty legs first: Private Jet Empty Legs. The list refreshes in the evening. You can also leave an email for your hometown airport. That is not a newsletter. We write only when a new empty leg appears from that airport.

Sources: Embraer via AIN, Corporate Jet Investor, and AeroTime, 25 August 2026.