VLJ leader sells Eclipse 500s to its first ab initio training customer

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — November 14, 2007 — Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced during its first appearance at the Dubai Airshow, that it has sold 12 Eclipse 500 jets to Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Flight Academy (DAEFA). The purchase marks Eclipse Aviation's entry into the ab initio flight training market. Delivery of these Eclipse 500s will begin in 2008.

"We are extremely excited that DAE Flight Academy will be using Eclipse 500s for its innovative flight training program," said President and CEO of Eclipse Aviation Vern Raburn. "We see tremendous future growth and sales in the ab initio training market for international airlines. The Eclipse 500's built-in reliability combined with the highly-advanced Avio NG total aircraft integration system makes this an ideal training aircraft for the new ICAO Multi Crew Pilot License (MPL) and a great tool to prepare for the airline training."

DAEFA will use the Eclipse 500 jets in its new ab initio training program. DAE University plans to open the Flight Academy in March 2008 in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah at the site of a former air force base. It will be the first school of its type to use the Eclipse 500 and the program will offer a 12-month course starting every month with up to 400 students in training at any given time. DAEFA takes zero-time pilots and trains them in Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA). Students will start their training in a Cirrus SR22, progress to an Eclipse 500, and finish with a type rating in a multi-crew jet transport aircraft. DAEFA plans to train thousands of aerospace and aviation professionals to fill the shortage of airline pilots in the Middle East, Europe, India, and North Africa.

"The Eclipse 500 is a perfect fit for our flight training program. This aircraft offers tremendous value considering that it is a highly-reliable, twin engine VLJ with advanced electronics and tightly-integrated systems, at a very low cost," said Dr. George H. Ebbs, president and CEO of DAE University. "We want to offer our students the best education available and prepare them to become successful airline pilots. We believe Eclipse's very light jet is the best choice to help us achieve this goal."

About Eclipse

Eclipse Aviation is the world's leading very light jet (VLJ) manufacturer, producing innovative, affordable jets that are revolutionizing air transportation. The company created the VLJ category with the design, certification and delivery of the Eclipse 500 - the industry's first VLJ. Eclipse applies advanced technologies, manufacturing processes and business practices to create high-performance aircraft that cost a fraction of other jets, and provide the lowest cost of jet ownership ever achieved. By changing the value proposition for private jet travel, Eclipse is allowing more pilots to enter the world of jet-powered aviation and enabling a new generation of entrepreneurs to help business travelers move between cities on a quick, affordable and convenient basis. Contact Eclipse at http://www.eclipseaviation.com

Original Release

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