Lakeland, FL (April 9, 2013) — Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. (EAI) announced today at the Sun ’n Fun International Fly-In and Expo that the company has opened the doors of its Albuquerque, New Mexico production facility to the public for tours. The Eclipse facility tour offers a unique opportunity to see Eclipse 550 jets during the assembly process, from the first Friction Stir Weld to final paint striping.
The Eclipse 550 production line has been completely re-engineered after a three-year "clean sheet" review of all production processes. EAI is confident that it has fully incorporated best practices, placing EAI’s production line among the most modern and efficient in the aviation industry.
"Eclipse Aerospace is extremely proud of our modern, state of the art production facility and invites interested parties to Albuquerque to view our progress," said Mason Holland, Eclipse Aerospace CEO. "Visitors will observe EA550 jets being built for our worldwide base of customers and will be guided along the production process from the initiation of production through final aircraft airworthiness certification."
During the Eclipse facility tour, which lasts approximately two hours, visitors will see a number of workstations from incoming inspection, to the preparation of the raw materials, friction stir welding, assembly of the fuselage, mating of the wings, and the application of the customers personalized paint scheme.
Eclipse’s 215,164 sq. ft. of Manufacturing space and 53,550 sq. ft. dedicated for Services is located adjacent to the airport in Albuquerque, N.M. The facility employs more than 200 people and has the capacity to produce up to 120 aircraft per year.
Tours of EAI’s Albuquerque facility, with an advance reservation, are available weekdays from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm and have certain guidelines and restrictions for group size and age. Reservations may be made by calling (505) 724-1000 or via email at www.ECLIPSE.aero.
