Eclipse Aviation News
“The selection of Ducommun and ENAER reflects Eclipse's strategy of seeking out the best suppliers worldwide,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “We are pleased to have Ducommun and ENAER join a growing group of U.S. and international suppliers. All have in common that they bring first class capabilities to the table and that they share Eclipse's vision for expanding the market for private jet aviation by dramatically changing the economics of private jet travel.”
The Ducommun agreement represents one of the largest single contracts ever awarded to the company and has an estimated contract value at projected delivery rates of $120 million. The work will be performed at the Ducommun facilities in Gardena and Orange, California. Ducommun will supply skin panels for pre-production aircraft in 2004, followed by an expected rapid build rate ramp up to support Eclipse's production plans from 2006 onwards.
The ENAER agreement has an estimated value of $110 million USD. For ENAER this contract represents a significant opportunity to expand the company's presence in the American aviation industry. With more than 70 years of experience in aviation, ENAER has become a central driver in the advancement of the Chilean technological infrastructure.
About Ducommun
Founded in 1849, Ducommun Incorporated (NYSE: DCO) manufactures components and assemblies for the defense and aerospace industries. Ducommun AeroStructures, a subsidiary of Ducommun Incorporated, manufactures large, complex structural components and assemblies in aluminum, specialty alloys such as titanium, metal bond and composites for a wide variety of military and commercial aerospace applications. Ducommun is the United States' largest independent supplier of composite and metal bond structures and assemblies, including aircraft wing spoilers, helicopter blades, flight control surfaces and engine components. Ducommun's integrated processes include stretch-forming, thermal-forming, chemical milling, precision fabrication, machining, finishing processes and integration of components into subassemblies.
About ENAER
Located in Santiago City, Chile, ENAER has more than 70 years of experience in aviation and is one of the most important aeronautic centers in Latin America. ENAER continues to add new technological capabilities, to support its goals of serving commercial, civilian and military aviation, while meeting international certification requirements.
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.