Third Service Facility For Maintenance, Avio NG Upgrades

Eclipse Aviation announced the opening Wednesday of its third Eclipse Service Center, during a ceremony at the Albany International Airport. The 42,800 square-foot facility includes eight maintenance bays in 30,000 square feet of hangar space, and also houses storage, tooling, and customer service areas.

"Eclipse is driven to provide exceptional service to our rapidly-growing base of customers. Launching another new service center in our service network demonstrates our vision for our customer experience," said Peg Billson, Eclipse Aviation’s chief operating officer. "It’s wonderful to experience the tremendous enthusiasm for the Eclipse 500 in the Northeast, and it is an honor to be a part of New York’s efforts to enhance its aviation infrastructure."

Nearly 25 employees, including 14 maintenance technicians currently work at the Albany Eclipse Service Center. Eclipse plans to increase employment to 50 by the end of the year. At this facility, technicians will perform all maintenance on the Eclipse 500 and its systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F engines.

Perhaps of greatest importance to current Eclipse 500 pilots, Avio NG modifications will also be installed at the Eclipse Service Center. Technicians are trained in Colonie, NY, or at other Eclipse Service Centers in Albuquerque, NM and Gainesville, FL.

Construction on the $8 million facility began in October 2005. New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno secured a $1.5 million grant for the Eclipse Service Center, which is owned by the Albany County Airport Authority and leased to Eclipse. A grant of $100,000 came from the Empire State Development Corporation, with the Albany County Airport Authority financing the remaining amount.

"The opening of this facility is a win-win for Eclipse Aviation and the Albany International Airport," Senator Bruno said. "The center is already creating high-quality technical jobs, and we know it will make the airport as well as the Capital Region an important destination for the people who own and operate the Eclipse 500."

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in Albuquerque monitors the center and is responsible for continued site supervision. Following an onsite audit this month, the Albany Eclipse Service Center received operational approval and certification from the FAA on February 25, 2008.

FMI: www.eclipseaviation.com