VLJ Leader Announces Third Of Seven Domestic Factory Service Centers

Eclipse Aviation and Albany International Airport announced that Eclipse, manufacturer of the revolutionary Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ), has chosen Albany International Airport as the site for its new northeast Factory Service Center.

Eclipse Aviation surveyed several sites in the northeast before selecting Albany as the location for its state-of-the-art maintenance and service center. Eclipse plans to have seven domestic Factory Service Centers, and Albany joins Eclipse's previously announced locations in Albuquerque, NM and Gainesville, FL.

"We are excited to have selected Albany as the location for one of our seven Factory Service Centers," said Eclipse Aviation vice president of sales and product support Michael McConnell. "Albany has proven to be a great partner during the selection process and will be a perfect location to service our large customer community in the northeast over the coming years."

Construction of the new Eclipse Aviation hangar is expected to begin in the spring of 2006 with completion later in the year. The facility will be built just south of the existing Million Air Terminal. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at a date to be announced. The Albany Factory Service Center will have a staff of Eclipse factory trained technicians and mechanics ready to provide scheduled service or repairs in a new state-of-the-art facility to be constructed in 2006.

New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno has provided a $1.5 million grant to assist the Airport in building the new hangar and providing the additional infrastructure and runway access that will be required.
 
"Today's announcement builds upon the major investments we have already made in the Albany International Airport. While we have already made tremendous strides in boosting air travel and lowering air fares, this project will boost the economic development efforts at the airport," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno. "Eclipse Aviation's revolutionary technology will produce safer jet aircraft, and their arrival to the region is another step forward in our efforts to create jobs and transform Albany International into a world-class air travel center."

Empire State Development was also instrumental in attracting Eclipse Aviation to Albany. In addition to the $1.5 million grant provided by Senator Bruno, Empire State Development provided a $100,000 grant to reduce the cost of machinery and equipment used in the new center. Both incentives were incorporated into the Airport's financing and lease agreement.

"Senator Bruno's longstanding support and overwhelming commitment to the Airport was the leading force in attracting Eclipse Aviation to the Capital Region," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "Senator Bruno has been a dedicated Airport champion, and his assistance will allow us to bring new jobs to our community and a new level of service to aircraft owners."

Since 1995, Senator Bruno has provided nearly $50 million to the Airport for construction of the new terminal and parking garage. In addition, Senator Bruno provided $6 million for the construction of a terminal extension that was critical to attracting Southwest Airlines. Since the arrival of Southwest Airlines in 2000, Albany Airport enplanements have increased from 1.1 million to over 1.5 million passengers a year, while average air fares have declined by 33 percent.

The Eclipse 500 is an entirely new aircraft that puts high-performance jet ownership within reach for a broader segment of the population. The Eclipse 500 is on track to receive FAA certification next year. Eclipse's test fleet of FAA-conforming aircraft has now amassed almost 600 total flight hours while reaching speeds of 285 knots and soaring to heights of 41,000 feet. The Eclipse 500 is powered by two Pratt & Whiney Canada engines with 900 pounds of thrust each.

FMI: www.eclipseaviation.com