Eclipse Aerospace and Kestrel Aviation have joined forces to form new venture, One Aviation Corporation.
One Aviation has been formed to design, develop and manufacture a family of aircraft; its core products include the Eclipse 550 twin-engine light jet and the Kestrel K350 single-engine turboprop. Eclipse’s and Kestrel’s business operation, supply chain, marketing and sales teams will be consolidated immediately under a single management team.
“I feel privileged to lead this experienced team of aviation professionals as we increase production of the Eclipse jet, further the development of the Kestrel turboprop, and build a suite of general aviation products second to none in the industry,” said Alan Klapmeier, CEO, One Aviation.
“I am particularly excited about the Eclipse 550. As our pilot experience and aircraft needs grow, we look to move up – to fly higher, faster and safer. For many pilots and aircraft owners, the Eclipse jet, with its incredible efficiency and safety record, provides that next step.”
“Combining the synergies of Eclipse and Kestrel under the leadership of Alan Klapmeier is a perfect fit,” said Mason Holland, chairman, One Aviation. “I believe that our current, as well as our future, customers will appreciate Alan’s vision and his prior experience in leading the design, development and production of one of the world’s most successful aircraft programs. Alan knows our customers, he is a champion for them, and he is recognized throughout the aviation industry as an innovator and transformational leader.”
The Eclipse jet is currently in production. The twin-engine light jet is priced below US$3m. The aircraft flies at 41,000ft, incorporates auto throttle technology, and has accumulated more than 300,000 incident-free fleet hours.
The Kestrel K350 single-engine turboprop is currently under development. One Aviation also intends to design, acquire, and build additional aircraft complementary to its two core products, as well as provide engineering, maintenance, service and support for the Eclipse 500 and Eclipse 550 fleet.
April 17, 2015
