Eclipse At The Branson Airport

Oct. 17, 2012
Forty-three Eclipse Jets landed at the Branson Airport for the Eclipse Owners Club Fall Fly-In

BRANSON, MISSOURI (October 17th, 2012) – Forty-three Eclipse Jets landed at the Branson Airport for the Eclipse Owners Club Fall Fly-In. Pilots and enthusiasts alike came from all over the United States to take part in the annual fly in that allows pilots to visit with vendors and fellow owners to discuss the Eclipse Twin-Engine Jet.

Known as the “Time Saving Machine,” the energy efficient Eclipse 550 Jet allows travelers to fly at speeds of up to 430 mph on the quietest twin-engine jet in general aviation. Before production of the new Eclipse 550 Jet began in June of this year (first deliveries are expected in mid-2013), a total of 261 Eclipse 500 Jets were produced.

“This must be the largest collection of jets comprising one model ever to land on a field at the same time, to see so many Eclipse Jets in one large formation in such a wonderful setting really is incredible,” said Mason Holland, Eclipse CEO. “To look out at over forty aircraft and know that we will be producing that many more Eclipse Jets every year really gives us a sense of accomplishment, we are so impressed by the passion exhibited by our aircraft owners”

“It was certainly a sight to see,” says Executive Director of Branson Airport, Jeff Bourk. “We are excited and fortunate that these pilots were able to fly in to the Branson Airport and experience everything our area has to offer.”

The image attached is an aerial shot of the Eclipse Jets placed in formation.

Southwest Airlines has announced that they will be arriving in Branson March 9th, 2013 as the 79th official city to be added to the team roster. Southwest Airlines will fly non-stop to Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and Orlando with connecting service to 67 other Southwest Airlines markets. The new service represents a significant increase in capacity over 2012 at the Branson Airport and the “Live Music Show Capital of the World.” Tickets are available for purchase now at www.southwest.com.

About Branson Airport

The Branson Airport currently has 6 nonstop destinations and one stop connecting service to more than 100 major cities in the United States. Nonstop destinations include: Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago, Houston and Orlando on AirTran Airways; and Denver on Frontier Airlines. For a complete list of destinations available at the Branson Airport, visit www.FlyBranson.com.

Known for the unique airport experience and unparallel customer service, Branson Airport LLC is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States. Branson Airport is currently serviced by AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines, Branson AirExpress, and most currently Southwest Airlines; allowing passengers the ability to access over 100 destinations all on low cost carriers. Located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest, the airport also boasts a state of the art FBO, Branson JetCenter and a full service travel agency, FlyBranson Travel. For more information visit www.FlyBranson.com or call toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541).

About Eclipse Aerospace, Inc.
Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. is the manufacturer of the Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet, the most fuel-efficient jet in the world. Eclipse also provides engineering, maintenance, service, and support for the fleet of 260 Eclipse 500 Twin-Engine Jet aircraft. Adhering to the motto “Customer First,” Eclipse Aerospace is focused on providing a superior customer experience for existing and future owners, operators, and pilots of the revolutionary Eclipse Jet aircraft. Eclipse Aerospace corporate offices are based in Charleston, S.C. Principle operations are located in Albuquerque, N.M. and Chicago, Ill. Eclipse Aerospace is located on the web at www.ECLIPSE.aero.

About Southwest Airlines, Co.

In its 42nd year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers by providing a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Including wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways, the Company now serves 97 destinations in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, six near-international countries, and employs more than 46,000 People.

Visit southwest.com/citizenship to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™ and see how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen while underscoring a commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet.

Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines, one of the most honored airlines in the world, is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and serves the communities around 76 airports in Southwest’s network of domestic destinations. To book a flight, visit southwest.com.

AirTran Airways
AirTran Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co., has been ranked the top airline in the Airline Quality Rating study three times in the past five years. AirTran offers coast-to-coast and near-international service with nearly 700 flights a day on North America's newest all-Boeing fleet. The airline's low-cost, high-quality product also includes assigned seating and Business Class. To book a flight, visit airtran.com.