Deal Should Be Complete by Year End

You could have knocked a bunch of folks over with a feather (on the normally calm second day of this year's NBAA Convention) as Eclipse, the 'little jet company that wouldn't quit', ganged up with the monstrously successful aerospace giant, Sikorsky Aircraft.

On the floor of NBAA 2010, Eclipse's Mason Holland set the stage for what looks to the comeback of the decade with the announcement that an agreement in principle has been reached in which Sikorsky will make an investment in Eclipse Aerospace Inc. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Eclipse Aerospace provides engineering, service, and support for the fleet of 260 Eclipse 500 twin-engine jets. Sikorsky Aircraft, manufacturer of the BLACK HAWK helicopter and other iconic aircraft, is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

“This agreement in principle affords us an opportunity to invest in a great product and to further leverage our strong aftermarket and product support capabilities for fixed wing applications,” said Mark Cherry, Vice President of Strategy and Synergy for Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.

During the first 13 months of profitable operation, Eclipse Aerospace has claimed significant strides with continued upgrades to current Eclipse Twin-Engine Jet aircraft features and operational capabilities. In addition, Eclipse Aerospace has continued to rebrand its global supply chain and cultivate the existing and growing customer base to determine future market demand.

“We are elated about this potential new venture with Sikorsky Aircraft and the phenomenal reach we can extend to Eclipse Jet owners by access to the global service, support and supply chain network of Sikorsky,” stated Mason Holland, Chairman and CEO of Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. “With the closing of this agreement we would have it all -- a phenomenal fuel efficient twin-engine jet, an enthusiastic customer base and a fantastic support staff, all coupled with the depth and strength of a sound and experienced partner, Sikorsky Aircraft!”

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FMI: www.eclipseaerospace.net, www.sikorsky.com