US aircraft manufacturers Eclipse Aerospace and Kestrel Aircraft have formed a new company to build and market their aeroplanes.
ONE Aviation has been formed with the Eclipse 550 personal jet and the Kestrel 350 single-engine turbo-prop (SETP) as its core products. Eclipse boss Mason Holland takes the reins as Chairman, with Kestrel's Alan Klapmeier taking the role of CEO.
"I feel privileged to lead this experienced team of aviation professionals as we increase production of the Eclipse Jet, further the development of the Kestrel turbo-prop, and build a suite of General Aviation products second to none in the industry," said Klapmeier,
"I am particularly excited about the Eclipse 550. As our pilot experience and aircraft needs grow, we look to move up - to fly higher, faster, and safer. For many pilots and aircraft owners, the Eclipse Jet, with its incredible efficiency and safety record, provides that next step.
ONE Aviation expects it will immediately gain operational and marketing efficiencies by consolidating the Eclipse and Kestrel business operations, supply chain, marketing and sales teams all under a single management team.
"Combining the synergies of Eclipse and Kestrel under the leadership of Alan Klapmeier is a perfect fit," said ONE Aviation Chairman Mason Holland.
"I believe that our current, as well as our future, customers will appreciate Alan's vision and his prior experience in leading the design, development, and production of one of the world's most successful aircraft programs. Alan knows our customers, he is a champion for them, and he is recognized throughout the aviation industry as an innovator and transformational leader."
The Eclipse Jet is only twin-engine light jet priced below US$3 million. Two Pratt & Whitney PW610F turbo-fans push the six-seat aircraft up to 375 KTAS and FL410.
The Kestrel K350 is an SETP powered by a Honeywell TPE331 flat-rated at 1000 SHP. Predicted performance is for 320 KTAS cruise and a maximum altitude of FL310.
More information on the aircraft range is on the ONE Aviation website.