Eclipse Aviation News
“The decision to locate our company in Albuquerque is continuing to prove critical to our ability to deliver an exceptional aircraft,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “As the creator of the world’s first VLJ, we intend to set very high standards for this rapidly-growing market, and our new facility at Double Eagle II will be instrumental in our quest to grow our business. I want to personally thank Mayor Chávez and the local community for their unflagging support and encouragement as we continue to pursue our vision to change the way the world travels.”
The facility is located on 3.5 acres of Eclipse Aviation’s 150-acre tract, which borders the northern boundary of Albuquerque’s Aerospace Technology Park at Double Eagle II Airport. Future plans call for all Eclipse Aviation facilities to be relocated to Albuquerque’s West Side airport. Within this unified campus, Eclipse will apply modern manufacturing techniques including moving assembly lines and advanced robotics to produce up to a thousand aircraft per year.
“Eclipse has grown into a vital force in Albuquerque’s business community, and it is wonderful to see the company continue to expand their operations at the Albuquerque Sunport and start their development at Double Eagle II,” said Martin Chávez, Mayor of Albuquerque. “Eclipse already employs 1,000 people in Albuquerque, and anticipates employing 100 people at Double Eagle by the end of 2007. We look forward to the company’s positive impact on our community through their continued expansion and success in Albuquerque, as well as in the national aviation arena.”
The newest Eclipse building will be a 41,585 square foot two-story facility. Several local companies are involved in the development at Double Eagle II Airport for Eclipse Aviation including Reid & Associates (design builder), Dekker/Perich/Sabatini (architect), Yearout Mechanical (mechanical engineers) and Chaparral Electric (electrical engineers).
Eclipse began aircraft deliveries late last year, and currently has 54 aircraft in production.
Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first certified very light jet, is in the business of designing, certifying and producing modern, affordable jet aircraft that will revolutionize the transportation market. The company is applying advanced electronics systems, manufacturing and business practices to produce aircraft that cost less than a third of today's small jet aircraft, will be significantly safer and easier to operate than those of today, and have the lowest cost of ownership ever achieved in a jet aircraft.
The goal of Eclipse is to bring the word "personal" into aviation, making it possible for commercial air passengers to move directly between cities on a quick, affordable and convenient basis. It will also allow pilot owners to enter the world of jet-powered aviation.