Eclipse Aerospace has delivered the first 550 twin-engine jet after the FAA certified the type.
Eclipse Aerospace CEO Mason Holland was effusive when announcing the delivery.
"This is an exciting day for Eclipse Aerospace and for general aviation," he said. "With the Eclipse 550, we've built a high performance light jet that includes advanced technologies and safety features that have traditionally been found only on much larger cabin class business jets and commercial aircraft.
"Our customers asked for the latest technologies such as auto throttles and a more dynamic pilot interface, and we responded to those requests and are now delivering to ecstatic customers."
"The Eclipse 550 is a 'game-changer' aircraft that fits in the new value-driven economy, attracting operators looking for an advanced jet aircraft with excellent performance and economic efficiencies that allow for maximizing every travel dollar. Many new Eclipse 550 owners are upgrading from turbo-prop or piston aircraft, looking for the speed and enhanced safety of a twin-engine jet at an affordable price point.
"The simplicity, safety, and ease of operation make the Eclipse 550 an extremely attractive choice."
It has been a long road to this first delivery for the Albuquerque, New Mexico, company since announcing the 550 project in June 2012. Eclipse validated and improved the production line and recertified all suppliers that had worked on the Eclipse 500, and improved many systems in the aircraft itself.
The original Eclipse 500 was built during the "VLJ" rush of the mid-2000s, but the company, Eclipse Aviation, went under, taking with it the deposits of many customers. It was revived when the assets were sold to the new Eclipse Aerospace, headed by current CEO Mason Holland.