Eclipse Aviation News
Guy Hoisington, an Eclipse 500 interior design engineer, and Vernon Oliver, a Human Resources technical recruiter, told the President how their lives have improved since joining Eclipse earlier this year.
The President's forum, which lasted more than 90 minutes, encompassed wide-ranging topics from entrepreneurial and job growth, to tort reform, to the fight against terrorism. Senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico introduced the President, while Senator John McCain of Arizona also attended the event.
During his conversation with Raburn, President Bush joked that “McCain and I will fly the first one.” Raburn received applause for his report that Eclipse has grown from 18 employees when the company first hosted Bush for a visit in 2000, to 332 employees today, with 30 more expected by year end.
Eclipse Aviation is the creator of the burgeoning very light jet (VLJ) marketplace, and is credited with using high-technology innovations and business practices to establish a breakthrough value proposition for jet price/performance. President Bush's visit took place at Eclipse Aviation's headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. One of the fastest growing companies in New Mexico, Eclipse employs more than 330 people in New Mexico and occupies 190,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and office facilities.
“Eclipse's success in inspiring new markets and creating new jobs is proof of our nation's improving economic climate,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “It is an honor to host the leader of our country for a discussion about the American economy and a chance to reflect on issues that matter to our country, and to each of us as individuals.”
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.