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Phoenix, Az. – Eclipse Aviation became the Aerospace Industries Association’s 100th member Thursday, a milestone that signals the group’s increasing strength and influence, officials said.

Eclipse Aviation, the Albuquerque, New Mexico-based manufacturer of the revolutionary Eclipse 500 very light jet, joined after a vote by the AIA Executive Committee Thursday.

AIA officials welcomed Eclipse, saying it was fitting to reach such an important membership benchmark with a company that promises to lead the way with technological advancements for the future.

“An exciting company like Eclipse will only enhance AIA’s ability to support innovation in the aerospace industry,’’ AIA President and CEO John Douglass said. “We’re thrilled Eclipse could help us mark this important milestone.’’

Eclipse Aviation is in the business of designing, certifying, and producing modern, affordable jet aircraft that will revolutionize the transportation market. The company is applying innovative propulsion, manufacturing, and electronics systems to produce aircraft that cost less than a third of today's small jet aircraft.

The Eclipse 500 is dramatically changing the value proposition for high-performance jet ownership, allowing a broader segment of the population to enjoy the benefits of private jet transportation. The six-person plane, powered by two Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines, is scheduled for FAA certification in March 2006. Eclipse Aviation has received non-refundable deposits for a more than 2,100 aircraft. A majority of these orders have come from companies creating air limousine services that will offer private jet travel to passengers at fares that are competitive with conventional full-fare airline ticket prices.

Eclipse Aviation President and CEO Vern Raburn said being a member of AIA was important to ensure the company has the advocacy and support it needs to succeed in the industry.

“AIA, with its resources and reputation, is an industry leader among advocacy groups in Washington and across the country,’’ Raburn said. “Joining was not a difficult decision.’’

Douglass said reaching the important 100-member mark is a signal that AIA will only continue to grow in influence. “It shows we are increasing our political footprint and improving our abilities to represent the industry,’’ he said.

ased in Arlington, Va., AIA represents the nation’s major manufacturers of commercial, military and business aircraft, helicopters, aircraft engines, missiles, spacecraft, materiels, and related components and equipment. In addition to the 102 regular members, AIA has 175 associate members in its Supplier Management Council.

The Association, originally known as the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce, was founded in 1919 with a charter membership of 100 “to foster, advance, promulgate, and promote: aeronautics,” and “generally, to do every act and thing which may be necessary and proper for the advancement” of American aviation. Early members included such aviation pioneers as Orville Wright and Glen H. Curtiss, as well as representatives of major aircraft manufacturing units in the United States.

Visit AIA’s homepage at www.aia-aerospace.org
P.A. Rel. 2004-37
11.18.04

Contact: Matt Grimison, AIA
703-358-1076
grimison@aia-aerospace.org