26 February 2007
The Eclipse 500 VLJ will no longer be fitted with Avidyne avionics, it has been revealed. Eclipse claims that this will not affect the production schedule for the jet, which began deliveries on the last day of 2006.
As a result the Avio Total Aircraft Integration system in the Eclipse 500 will no longer be fitted with Avidyne parts. Trouble between the companies is said to have been brewing since the end of 2005, and some commentators are blaming the delays in the first Eclipse 500 deliveries at the end of last year partly at the door of the dispute.
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As if to show that it has lost no momentum, Eclipse last week announced that it is to build a new facility at Albuquerque at the Double Eagle II Airport (KAEG). When in full operation, the company plans to employ approximately 100 people at the new facility in a variety of roles including training, flight support and administrative support. While some of this staffing will come from existing employees, well over half will be new hires.
