Eclipse Aerospace

The Eclipse Aerospace Incorporated ( EAI) is an American aircraft manufacturer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

History

The company was founded in 1998 by former Microsoft executive Vern Raburn as Eclipse Aviation, the Eclipse 500 to produce with the aim of the Eclipse 400 very light jet, and as. The number of employees was approximately 1,300 people in 2007. In 2008 the company filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 The former distribution partner ETIRC wanted to take over by means of specially formed company EclipseJet Eclipse Aviation and continue the production and maintenance of the Eclipse 500. This project ended in late 2009 also in a bankruptcy. In the subsequent bankruptcy proceedings have acquired the shares for $ 40 million Mason Holland and Mike Press from Charleston (South Carolina). The contract was awarded on 20 August 2009. The Eclipse Aerospace, founded thereupon took over the production and distribution. 2011 was the United Technologies Corporation announced that it has acquired shares in the company and want to resume production.

Products

Eclipse 550

Eclipse Aerospace supplies expected from 2013, the twin-engine Eclipse 550 from. The 550 is based on the Eclipse 500 with abgeändertem cockpit and avionics. With the production of the serial number 1001 was started on June 1, 2012 in Albuquerque. The purchase price was set at approximately $ 2.7 million. The first models are still made in Albuquerque, the following at PZL Świdnik in Poland.

Maintenance operation

For the 270 still in operation Eclipse 500 Eclipse Aerospace has taken over the maintenance and spare parts supply.