Aeris Aviation, Eclipse Aerospace’s exclusive European distributor, formally launched the latest version of the EA550 for the European market at the 9-12 April Aero Friedrichshafen show, and says it hopes to clinch EASA certification for the twin-engined very light jet before the end of the year.
“We have received a number of deposits for the 550 but we can’t begin deliveries until it has been approved,” says Aeris founder and chief executive David Hayman. “We could deliver an N [US] registered aircraft but the owners are limited to private operations,” he continues. “While many of our customers will operate the aircraft privately, they want the opportunity to charter the aircraft when it is not being used, to help cut the running costs.
Albuquerque, New Mexico-based Eclipse, which clinched full US validation for the seven-seat VLJ earlier this year, has delivered seven EA550s in the last two weeks alone. “We are confident we will have the same success in the European market from owner flyers, corporate and commercial operators,” says Hayman.
The €2.11 million ($2.93 million) EA550 can fly at altitudes up to 41,000ft for 1,125nm (2,080km), with a maximum speed of nearly 380kt (700km/h). The EA550 is an upgraded version of the original model 500 model of which there around 20 in service across Europe. The 550 features a dual Avio integrated flight management system, synthetic vision, enhanced vision, auto-throttles and anti-skid brakes.
Source: Flight International
