Embraer has begun construction of an executive jet service center at Williams Gateway Airport in Mesa, Ariz. The center, scheduled to open in mid-2008, will be one of three U.S. facilities dedicated to maintaining the Phenom 100, Phenom 300 and Legacy 600.

The $8 million, 45,000-sq-ft facility will occupy six acres, with an option for five more. Plans call for a hangar, workshops and office space. Embraer has committed to creating approximately 60 jobs in the community over the next five years.

Centers are also planned for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Conn. Groundbreaking ceremonies for those facilities will take place this summer. The total investment for all three centers is approximately $40 million.

A spokesman for the company said each facility will be able to provide full-service aircraft care, including routine inspection; scheduled and unscheduled maintenance; airframe, engine, avionics and other systems repairs; 24/7 assistance; AOG rescue/mobile teams; and an inventory of expendable and repairable parts. Additional services still under consideration are painting and interior refurbishments.