Eclipse Aviation News
“The compelling economics and performance characteristics of the Eclipse 500, combined with this team's unmatched ability to deliver on program milestones, have been met with a very positive reception from investors,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “The Eclipse 500 is on track for certification in late 2003, and we are very comfortable with both our current financial situation and future funding prospects.”
The capital has been garnered from a group of undisclosed private investors.
The Eclipse 500 was designed to enable the creation of air transportation alternatives to today's commercial airlines, including a point-to-point air taxi service. It is a six-person, twin-engine jet with direct operating costs of about 56 cents per mile. The guaranteed purchase price of the Eclipse 500 jet is $837,500 (in June 2000 economics), making it approximately a quarter the price of the least-expensive jet being delivered today.
Eclipse Aviation 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 quarter 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.