During the first International Eclipse Dealer and Sales Conference held this past Friday in Albuquerque, Eclipse Aerospace 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 countries were on hand as the management team and board of directors for Eclipse Aerospace 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.
Now armed with an established supply chain, a new FAA production certificate, and a certified airframe, Eclipse is officially back in production with deliveries beginning in 2013, officials said. Eclipse 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, officials add. Full production for an estimated 50 to 100 aircraft per year is expected in 2014, determined by market demand.
“New production of the Eclipse Jet, that was the ultimate goal of EAI when we started the process two and a half short years ago,” said Mason Holland, CEO and chairman. “The excellent team at Eclipse Aerospace, along with our strong supply chain partners, have brought us back into the production market. I am simply humbled by everyone’s efforts!”
For more information: Eclipse.aero
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