Eclipse Aviation News
“The Eclipse 500 order book is the largest in the VLJ segment, and we attribute this to our ability to deliver the industry"s highest-performance jet at a breakthrough price,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “This is a great aircraft for everyone from owner operators to high-utilization air-taxi and shared ownership businesses. Linear Air and JetSet Air join the growing community of fleet customers who have selected the Eclipse 500 as the aircraft of choice for fleet operations, including DayJet, Aviace and OurPlane.”
Linear Air offers private air travel to executives and families with personalized service, flexibility and convenience. The company currently operates in the Boston and New York City areas, and plans to significantly expand its fleet into a host of North American markets over the coming years. Linear Air has purchased 30 Eclipse 500s, with 15 firm orders and 15 options and will start operations in the first 24 months of production.
JetSet Air Ltd intends to offer a new level of on-demand taxi jet and scheduled shuttle services from the UK to popular European and UK destinations. The company also plans to offer customers a JetSet Card in 25, 50 and 100 hour increments. JetSet Air has purchased 50 Eclipse 500s, with 25 firm orders and 25 options, and plans to begin operations in the first 24 months of Eclipse 500 production.
“We"re very pleased to welcome Linear Air and JetSet Air as Eclipse 500 customers,” said Michael McConnell, Eclipse Aviation"s vice president of Sales and Product Support. “We"re finding that the unmatched value proposition offered by the Eclipse 500 is a magnet for customers across geographic boundaries. It is very rewarding to have Linear Air choose the Eclipse 500 to expand its existing business model, and to serve as a catalyst for the launch of JetSet Air"s European service operation.”
The Eclipse 500 program is slated for certification in the first quarter of 2006, with first customer deliveries scheduled to occur at type certification. Prospects interested in making a deposit toward the purchase of an Eclipse 500 today will be granted a July 2008 delivery position. Fleet customer aircraft delivery commitments extend through 2010. JAA certification will be finalized within twelve months of FAA certification.
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 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.