Eclipse Aviation recieved full Federal Aviation Administration certification on Sat. Sept. 30th for its $1.5 million business jet, clearing the way for delivery to customers.
Eclipse is widley considered one of the leaders in development of so-called "very light jets". Since Eclipse first unveiled its plans in 2000, a handful of startups, as well as Cessna and Honda, have developed similar aircraft, which cost far less than exisring business jets and are designed to replace many propeller-powered aircraft currently in service.
Many think the diminutive planes will revolutionize general aviation by making jet travel affordable to a whole new class of owners and pilots, as well as fostering "air taxi" service to under utilized airports at prices competitive with those of an airlines.
Eclipse is located at Double Eagle Airport on Albuquerque's west side and plans to employ up to 2,000. The company plans to build 40 planes by the end of 2006,hundreds next year and eventually build up to 1,00 jets annually.