Meanwhile, Eclipse inked a long-term deal with Compass Aerospace Corporation calling for Compass to manufacture structural components and sub-assemblies for the cockpit, fuselage and doors on the Eclipse 500 jet. Compass is currently supplying the structural components and assemblies for Eclipses pre-production, certification-program aircraft and expects to begin its production ramp in 2005 and achieve full-rate production levels soon thereafter in support of Eclipses delivery of production aircraft, Eclipse said in a press release. Compass’ work will initially be performed at the company’s facilities in California, Kansas and Washington. “We have been working with Eclipse Aviation since 2002 and are extremely proud to be one of the long-term team members that will soon deliver the breakthrough Eclipse 500 aircraft,” said John R. Reimers, chairman and chief executive officer of Compass Aerospace. With an estimated value in excess of $400 million based upon projected delivery rates, this agreement represents one of the largest single contracts ever awarded to Compass, according to Eclipse.
