Eclipse Aerospace Ea500

Twin Jet

The Eclipse 500 is a pioneering very light jet (VLJ) that entered service in 2006 as the first of a new category designed to democratize jet ownership. Built by Eclipse Aviation (later Eclipse Aerospace after bankruptcy and restructuring), the EA500 was conceived as an affordable, single-pilot jet for owner-operators and air taxi services, with a price point initially targeting under one million dollars. Its twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofans, friction-stir-welded aluminum fuselage, and advanced avionics represented a bold attempt to bring manufacturing efficiency and modern technology to the light jet market. The Eclipse 500 seats up to six, cruises around 370 knots, and operates up to 41,000 feet, offering jet performance in a package smaller and more economical than traditional light jets like the Citation Mustang or Phenom 100. Despite its innovative design, the program faced financial turbulence, production delays, and certification challenges that led to Eclipse Aviation's 2008 bankruptcy. Production resumed under new ownership, and the type found a niche among private owners and small charter operators, particularly in markets like Australia where its efficiency and range suit regional operations. The Eclipse remains notable as the aircraft that defined the VLJ category, even if the market never scaled to the thousands of units originally envisioned. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with the largest observed operator.