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Eclipse Aviation and ETIRC Aviation advance plans for Eclipse 500 globalization

Feb. 20, 2008, Ulyanovsk, Russia – Eclipse Aviation and European Technology and Investment Research Center (ETIRC) Aviation held a joint press conference today in Ulyanovsk, Russia to announce progress toward establishing an Eclipse 500 manufacturing facility outside of the United States. The companies first announced their intent to build an international production site on January 14, 2008.

Eclipse Aviation President and CEO Vern Raburn and ETIRC Aviation Chairman Roel Pieper traveled to Russia to meet in Ulyanovsk with federal officials and local administrators to discuss the steps necessary to establish a factory in that area. One of these steps is the completion of a process, already underway, that will also establish a special free trade zone in Ulyanovsk, a project that has been supported strongly by the Governor of Ulyanovsk Sergey Morozov. Raburn and Pieper's meetings in Ulyanovsk included a visit to the Ulyanovsk-Vostochny International Airport to evaluate possible factory site locations. After visiting several viable sites, the team chose what they consider to be a prime location for a future Eclipse 500 manufacturing facility. A final agreement is expected within the next few months.

Also today, Eclipse Aviation and ETIRC Aviation revealed that its pilots flew an ETIRC Eclipse 500 to Ulyanovsk on February 18, 2008 in advance of the press conference. Since the jet's arrival in Ulyanovsk, ETIRC Aviation has provided numerous demonstration flights to Russian officials and media representatives to let them experience the innovative Eclipse 500 firsthand.

"Our visit to Ulyanovsk and the very productive meetings we have held here reflect our commitment to rapidly increase the global reach and impact of the Eclipse 500," said Raburn. "This week's progress also signifies the advancement of our recently expanded relationship with ETIRC Aviation, a partnership that will be instrumental in helping Eclipse reach its global volume production goals."

"It is an incredible feeling to welcome ETIRC Aviation's first Eclipse 500 jet to Russia, and to hear Vern personally share his passion for this amazing aircraft. I am excited to introduce many people here in Russia to the Eclipse 500," said Pieper.

ETIRC Aviation is the exclusive provider of sales, customer service, maintenance support and flight training for the Eclipse 500 in the United Kingdom, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Turkey and in the countries of Western and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States. A key element of the Eclipse/ETIRC partnership grants ETIRC Aviation the right to establish local assembly of the Eclipse 500 within its region. The increased production capability will allow Eclipse and ETIRC Aviation to meet the growing demand for the Eclipse 500 in Europe, Russia and Turkey.