Switzerland’s Eclipse Aviation Corporation has announced that Aviace AG is to purchase 112 of its Eclipse 500 jet. First deliveries are scheduled for 2004, with the remaining aircraft to be delivered in 2005 and 2006. “Our purchase of the Eclipse aircraft will allow us to create a network of aircraft that will make private jet travel affordable for a dramatically increased number of European travellers,” said Aviace ceo, Hilmar Hilmarsson.

The aircraft sells at $837,500; it offers a direct operating cost of 56 cents per mile, a 1,300 nautical mile range and will be certified for single-pilot operation. The manufacturer aims to allow pilot owners to enter the world of jet-powered aviation.

July 13 will see the roll out of the first Eclipse 500 flight test aircraft at the company’s Abuquerque, New Mexico headquarters. The first flight of the EJ22 turbofan engine was recently completed successfully. Two of the engines will power the next-generation Eclipse 500.

Aviace promotes its self as an international jet club, offering private air travel solutions to frequent flyers. It intends to use the Eclipse 500 for jet clubs all over Europe, including smaller and more inaccessible airports. The company offers five different membership types to suit the customer, a spokesperson said: “The Eclipse 500 will enable us to make point-to-point, on-demand private jet travel available at attractive prices throughout Europe.”