Eclipse Announces Official Start of 550 Production

During the first International Eclipse Dealer and Sales Conference held this past Friday in Albuquerque, Eclipse Aerospace, Inc., manufacturer of the world’s first very light jet (VLJ), announced the official launch of initial production of the new model Eclipse 550 twin–engine jet. Eclipse dealers representing the United States and over 30 different countries were on hand as the management team and Board of Directors for Eclipse Aerospace all signed the fuselage of the first production aircraft, Serial Number 1001. The ceremony continued with the Eclipse production team officially mating the forward keel assembly to the fuselage.

Eclipse now has an established supply chain, a new FAA production certificate, and a certified airframe.  The company plans initial low-volume production with the first aircraft taking approximately 12 months to complete as the balance of the production line is re-tooled and validated during the process. Full production for an estimated 50 to 100 aircraft per year is expected in 2014, paced by market demand. (Pictured above is Mason Holland, CEO & Chairman of Eclipse Aerospace.)

 
Mason Holland, CEO & Chairman of Eclipse Aerospace said the excellent team at Eclipse Aerospace along with their  strong supply chain partners have brought them back into the production market. Holland said he was simply humbled by everyone’s efforts.
 
In addition to the new production announcement, Eclipse also announced the official roll out of the Eclipse International Dealer organization. Eclipse Dealers from around the world representing over 30 countries attended and signed agreements for the purchase of new Eclipse 550 Jets slated for delivery in 2014 and early 2015.
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