Eclipse Aviation News
The next-generation Eclipse 500 jet is available for purchase immediately through any one of the company's three purchase programs. Together the Platinum, Gold and Bidders' Club programs meet the needs of a wide range of customers.
"The Eclipse 500 purchase programs reinforce Eclipse Aviation's commitment to deliver next-generation aircraft through the use of high-tech business management practices," said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse. "The Internet is an integral part of business today and we expect to leverage it throughout our company. We will offer aircraft both through online auctions as well as through traditional purchase programs."
The auction program - named the Bidders' Club - will enable participants to bid in Internet auctions for the Eclipse 500. Eclipse will auction off 40 of the first 200 delivery positions and a total of at least 100 of the first 1,000 delivery positions to members of the Bidders' Club. A Bidders' Club membership can be purchased for $5,000.
The first customer deliveries of the Eclipse 500 are scheduled to take place in August 2003. Auctions will be held 120 days prior to the date of aircraft delivery.
The Platinum and Gold Level programs are more traditional purchase programs. The Platinum Level program is designed for customers who want a guaranteed early delivery position. Eclipse is offering a limited number of delivery positions in the first two years of production to Platinum Level customers. It requires a deposit of $155,000 and is fully transferable.
The Gold Level program assures a specific delivery position in 2005 or after and requires a deposit of $37,500. The first Gold Level delivery is scheduled to occur in January 2005.
Purchase agreement forms and full details of the programs may be requested at the company's web site, www.eclipseaviation.com. The anticipated list price for the Eclipse 500 is $775,000.
The final list price, performance specifications and standard equipment will be announced in July 2000 at the EAA AirVenture Show in Oshkosh, WI.
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.