One Aviation phasing out EA550, reducing work force

“As we transition through the development stages of the highly anticipated EA700 series we made the very difficult, yet necessary, decision to reduce our work force,” said One Aviation CEO Alan Klapmeier in a news release. “I would like to extend my thanks to the hardworking individuals affected by this action for their many contributions to date. I would also like to thank our remaining employees for their commitment to our success as we move forward with the development of the EA700.”

The company has not disclosed the number of jobs to be eliminated, but a media representative said the staff reductions would affect personnel in multiple locations where One Aviation has operations.

The EA700 is a 14-inch stretch of the Eclipse 500/550 line that will use Williams International FJ33-5A-12 turbofan engines. The aircraft holds more fuel in its lengthened wing than the previous models, has more cabin volume, and will be equipped with Garmin G3000 avionics.

In September, the company—a 2015 merger of Eclipse Aerospace and single-engine turboprop developer Kestrel Aircraft—announced a successful first flight of its proof-of-concept wing for the EA700. One Aviation “continues to explore strategic partnerships and investment in the future growth of the EA700 series,” it said. 

One Aviation said it would continue providing “the highest standard of service and support” to current EA500/EA550 owners through a global service and distribution network.