'Sikorsky Remains A Significant Investor' In EAI

Since beginning operations in September 2009, Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. (EAI) has advanced three corporate goals: returning parts, service, and support to the fleet; upgrading and delivering the originally intended features and capabilities of the aircraft; and returning the aircraft to production.

EAI's commitment to these three goals was further solidified with an investment by Sikorsky Aircraft Company (Sikorsky) in February 2011. Sikorsky's investment included significant funding as well as key production and supply chain personnel to support the production restart efforts. Eclipse said in a news release that, having successfully completed the first two goals of full support for the fleet and the upgrading of the fleet, EAI is now turning its full attention to the third goal, which is production of the Eclipse 550.

Eclipse Aerospace CEO Mason Holland said that comments made earlier this week by a United Technologies executive that Sikorsky would not be making any further investment in the light jet don't change his thinking about the project. "I do not see any inconsistency in UTC's position or our efforts in moving towards production," Holland said. "Sikorsky remains a significant investor in EAI and it has always been the goal of EAI to re-start production with its own team, albeit drawing on the experience and expertise of Sikorsky."

"With the assistance of key Sikorsky personnel, EAI continues advancing the Eclipse 550 to full-scale production," Holland said. "We have consistently stated that as the general aviation market returns to normalized levels, we will produce the new Eclipse 550. Our plans have not changed. We continue to support fielded aircraft, sell Total Eclipse aircraft, and build the Eclipse 550 new production order book with initial deliveries planned in 2013."

FMI: www.eclipse.aero