Announcement That Energized BizAv Is Complete

The deal that set everyone abuzz at NBAA2010, namely an investment in the reinvigorated Eclipse program by industry behemoth Sikorsky, has been completed. The program allows Eclipse to draw upon "the vast resources and expertise of Sikorsky," as well as take on an undisclosed monetary interest.

Eclipse Boss, Mason Holland, told ANN that, "All of the original visions (for the airplane) are now coming to fruition," while adding that as much as he appreciates the financial boost, that it's "Sikorsky's know-how" that is likely to be of the greatest value.

The minority equity investment by Sikorsky in Eclipse Aerospace also includes a Service Level Agreement pursuant to which Sikorsky will provide global supply chain support and certain production restart services, which will aid Eclipse Aerospace in its efforts to reintroduce production of the Eclipse 500.

When asked about a start date for the resumption of production, Holland continues to play coy, while noting that the restart date is "more a function of market recovery," than any other factor. Though also forecasting that when "the market is ready, we will be also." Holland added that Sikorsky expertise in lean manufacturing and associated technologies is expected to add much to the process and progress towards the resumption of production. 

Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Eclipse Aerospace provides engineering, service, and support for the fleet of roughly 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.

“The management team at Eclipse Aerospace shares with Sikorsky a passion for quality products and a customer-first commitment. We are pleased to make this equity investment and look forward to providing global support to Eclipse as it works to restart production of its twin-engine very light jet,” said Mark Cherry, Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Synergy for Sikorsky.

Eclipse Aerospace currently offers “Total Eclipse” aircraft direct from its factory. These factory refurbished aircraft are configured with the AvioNG integrated flight management system, ability to fly into known ice (FIKI), and coupled auto pilot approach capability for horizontal and vertical approach guidance. These “like new” Total Eclipse Aircraft also come complete with full factory warranty, new paint, and all new interior.

Eclipse' Mason Holland (L) with
ANN's Jim Campbell at NBAA 2010

“We are thrilled to announce the closing of this significant investment in Eclipse. Beyond the equity investment, however, we at Eclipse hope to draw from Sikorsky’s significant global supply chain resources and manufacturing experience,” stated Mason Holland, Chairman and CEO of Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. “I have said it before and it is worth repeating: With this agreement we now have it all -- a phenomenal fuel efficient twin-engine jet, an enthusiastic customer base and a fantastic engineering, support and service staff, all coupled with the depth and strength of a sound and experienced Sikorsky Aircraft.”

In the meantime, Holland noted that Eclipse remains confident in its future... with some resources currently devoted to customer requests for improvements to the airframe, as well as the future growth of the company itself -- even to thoughts of future new product development. "I don't want Eclipse to be a single-product company forever," he opines, while remaining mute on where and what new additions may be made to the future Eclipse line-up.

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