Strategy To Be Focused Initially On Russia, Ukraine and
Turkey
At EBACE2006 Tuesday, Eclipse Aviation Corporation announced a
partnership with ETIRC Aviation Europe (ETIRC Aviation), a new
company that will drive sales and service for the Eclipse 500
very-light-jet throughout countries such as Russia, Turkey, Ukraine
and other CIS states. ETIRC Aviation was founded by Roel
Pieper, a former high-tech executive and current venture
capitalist.
"From the beginning, we have seen tremendous sales and interest
for the Eclipse 500 outside of the United States.
Establishing a partnership to sell, support and service the Eclipse
500 in these emerging markets is the next logical step," said
Eclipse president and CEO Vern Raburn. "ETIRC Aviation's business
plan complements our efforts in the U.S and will help power Eclipse
Aviation's global growth."
ETIRC Aviation is headquartered in Luxembourg, with current
operating sales and support facilities in Russia, Ukraine and
Turkey. Pieper, a former top-level executive at Tandem Computers,
Compaq Computer, and Philips Electronics, will be chairman of the
board.
Maarten van Eeghen, Former CEO of Fokker Aircraft US, will be
the chairman of the Advisory Board of ETIRC Aviation. Management
teams will be announced separately for each of the main countries
of operation, such as Russia, Ukraine and Turkey.
"Eclipse has created an advanced jet aircraft that is opening up
markets and inspiring new business models to serve the needs of air
passengers worldwide," said Roel Pieper, chairman of ETIRC
Aviation. "Vern Raburn and I share a commitment to apply the
innovations and business practices pioneered in the high technology
industry to transform air travel, and I look forward to driving
this transformation in Eastern Europe."
ETIRC Aviation will be exclusively responsible for sales,
service and support of the Eclipse 500 jet in a territory spanning
most of Eastern Europe and Russia -- including all of the
Commonwealth of Independent States -- Ukraine, Belarus, as well as
Turkey, and Cyprus.
Sales facilities are in place now, and a full-service
maintenance facility and parts depot will be in place by 2007.
ETIRC will also lead and coordinate all required certification
efforts in these countries.
Eclipse expects FAA certification of the Eclipse 500 in late 2Q
of 2006, and expects European EASA type certification to be
completed by the end of 2006.