Eclipse
aerospace expects to complete upgrades to 28
jets acquired as the assets of the former
eclipse Aviation and it
plans to start selling them as early as next spring. Mike Press and Mason Holland Jr., the two investors behind the new
eclipse aerospace LLC, have now hired 60 employees and are back in business in Albuquerque. Eight
eclipse 500 Very Light
jets are currently in the care of the new company, receiving upgrades to their avionics and de-icing systems to the tune of $149,000 each. And
eclipse aerospace has earned FAA approval for a pilot training program that takes place in the aircraft, as opposed to the simulators used by the former
eclipse Aviation. They've also earned FAA and EASA approval to put owners, operators and repair station personnel worldwide through a maintenance training curriculum.
The resurgent company's progress dates back to August, when Press and Holland acquired Eclipse's assets out of bankruptcy for $40 million. Now, the company's 60 employees are distributed between the Albuquerque facility and a Chicago service station at a balance of about 48 to 12.
eclipse aerospace has an existing market of 259
eclipse 500
jets sold before its predecessor's demise. Sales of "new"
eclipse 500
jets will be competing with used jets. The company is already acting as broker for 10 aircraft.