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.
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