First Eclipse 500 Lands In Russia

Eclipse Aviation and European Technology and Investment Research Center (ETIRC) Aviation are speeding ahead with plans to launch operations in Russia. On Thursday, the two companies held a joint press conference in Ulyanovsk, Russia to announce progress toward establishing an Eclipse 500 manufacturing facility outside of the United States.

As ANN reported, the companies announced their intent to build an international production site on January 14, as part of a significant investment by ETIRC in the fledgling very-light jet manufacturer.

This week, Eclipse Aviation President and CEO Vern Raburn, and ETIRC Aviation Chairman Roel Pieper, traveled to Russia to meet in Ulyanovsk with federal officials and local administrators to discuss the steps necessary to establish a factory in that area.

One of the necessary steps is the completion of a process, already underway, that will also establish a special free trade zone in Ulyanovsk, a project that has been supported strongly by the Governor of Ulyanovsk Sergey Morozov. Raburn and Pieper's meetings in Ulyanovsk included a visit to the Ulyanovsk-Vostochny International Airport to evaluate possible factory site locations.

After visiting several viable sites, the team chose what they consider to be a prime location for a future Eclipse 500 manufacturing facility. A final agreement is expected within the next few months.

Also this week, Eclipse Aviation and ETIRC Aviation revealed its pilots flew an ETIRC Eclipse 500 to Ulyanovsk on February 18 (tail number N514EA -- Ed.) in advance of the press conference. Since the jet's arrival in Ulyanovsk, ETIRC says it has provided numerous demonstration flights to Russian officials and media representatives to let them experience the Eclipse 500 firsthand.

"Our visit to Ulyanovsk and the very productive meetings we have held here reflect our commitment to rapidly increase the global reach and impact of the Eclipse 500," said Raburn. "This week's progress also signifies the advancement of our recently expanded relationship with ETIRC Aviation, a partnership that will be instrumental in helping Eclipse reach its global volume production goals."

"It is an incredible feeling to welcome ETIRC Aviation's first Eclipse 500 jet to Russia, and to hear Vern personally share his passion for this amazing aircraft. I am excited to introduce many people here in Russia to the Eclipse 500," said Pieper.

During Thursday's conference, Raburn and Pieper joined Sergey Morozov, Governor of Ulyanovsk; Sergey Stepashin, Chairman of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation; and Sergey Ryabukhin, Auditor of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation. Stepashin was presented with a ceremonial aluminum brick (shown below) that contains separate plates with engravings of the names of those present. The brick will ultimately be built into the wall of a new Eclipse 500 production facility in Russia.

ETIRC Aviation is the exclusive provider of sales, customer service, maintenance support and flight training for the Eclipse 500 in the United Kingdom, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Turkey and in the countries of Western and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States. A key element of the Eclipse/ETIRC partnership announced in January grants ETIRC Aviation the right to establish local assembly of the Eclipse 500 within its region.

Both companies state the increased production capability will allow Eclipse and ETIRC Aviation to meet the growing demand for the Eclipse 500 in Europe, Russia and Turkey.

FMI: www.eclipseaviation.com, www.etirc.com