Compass to manufacture structural components and sub-assemblies for Eclipse 500 jet

Eclipse Aviation Corporation, manufacturer of the Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ), and Compass Aerospace Corporation have entered into a long-term agreement for Compass to manufacture structural components and sub-assemblies for the cockpit, fuselage and doors on the Eclipse 500 jet.  With an estimated value in excess of $400 million based upon projected delivery rates, this agreement represents one of the largest single contracts ever awarded to Compass.

"We have been working with Eclipse Aviation since 2002 and are extremely proud to be one of the long-term team members that will soon deliver the breakthrough Eclipse 500 aircraft," said John R. Reimers, chairman and chief executive officer of Compass Aerospace.  "We look forward to leveraging our mastery of complex machining and assembly in high-volume, demand-flow environments to help Eclipse usher in a new age in air transport."

Compass is currently supplying the structural components and assemblies for Eclipse's pre-production, certification program aircraft. Compass expects to begin its production ramp in 2005 and achieve full-rate production levels soon thereafter in support of Eclipse's delivery of production aircraft.  The work will initially be performed at Compass's facilities in Wichita, KS; Santa Ana, CA; and Kent, WA. 

"Compass is a leader in structural component fabrication and has demonstrated its advanced capabilities as a supplier of high-quality parts for our pre-production aircraft," said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation.  "We are excited to add Compass to the impressive list of world-class suppliers that will work with us to deliver our current order book of more than 2100 Eclipse 500 jets, and fulfill future orders for years to come."

FMI: www.eclipseaviation.com, www.compassaerospace.com