Eclipse Aerospace is making its EBACE debut and is represented at the show by its exclusive European distributor Aeris Aviation.
The UK-based company is exhibiting its Total Eclipse very light jet on the static display, and is hoping to drum-up interest in its shared ownership programme, scheduled to launch this year.
Aeris founder and chief executive David Hayman says the programme is designed to reduce the cost and burden of aircraft ownership: "We will be a management company proving the pilots, hangarage, maintenance, fuel. Our aim is to provide trouble-free flying on the Total Eclipse and the new EA550, which is earmarked for US certification in July and European approval a year later."
Hayman admits the Eclipse brand has been damaged by the high-profile collapse of the previous owner, Eclipse Aviation, in 2008. However, he is confident the VLJ will find success on the continent - where there are about 20 of the types - second time around.
"There is nothing wrong with the aircraft. Eclipse Aviation was just a poorly run company," he says. "The twin-engined Eclipse is the world's most efficient jet. The ability to travel safely above the weather at speeds of up to 375kt [690km/h] and fuel consumption as low as 59gph is simply amazing."
Source: Flight Daily News
