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Analyst predicts 'end in sight' for Eclipse 500 |
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Wednesday, 29 October 2008 |
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Forecast International predicts that production of the aircraft will run out of steam early next year.
Production of the Eclipse 500 aircraft will soon come to an end, a new forecast from analyst Forecast International has suggested.
The market research firm predicted that the aeroplane's manufacturer, Eclipse Aviation, will be unable to attract enough new investment to continue fulfilling orders beyond the beginning of 2009.
The aviation company is currently producing aircraft at a low rate in order to "preserve cash", according to Forecast International analyst Douglas Royce.
He estimated that 162 Eclipse 500s will be produced in 2008, but warned that production could cease after the manufacture of just 12 aircraft next year.
"Even this forecast may prove too optimistic," Mr Royce warned. "Under the circumstances, Forecast International believes that securing new funding, while still possible, is unlikely."
The Forecast International report suggested that Eclipse Aviation's business model depended on delivering twin-jet aircraft at much cheaper prices than competitors - something that was only possible due to high-volume production strategies and technologies.
The six-seater Eclipse 500 entered into service in 2006, having made its maiden flight in 2002. Along with the Cessna Citation Mustang, it is one of a relatively new class of Very Light Jets.
The aeroplane is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofan engines. To date, nearly 250 Eclipse 500s have been built. |
