Today Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), and Iridium Satellite announce that the Iridium mobile satellite communications system will be a standard offering on the Eclipse 500. Eclipse Aviation is an Iridium value-added manufacturer and reseller (VAM/VAR) for aeronautical satellite communication systems and service.

"Through our Iridium relationship and incorporation into the Eclipse 500 Avio Total Aircraft Integration system, we can capture all relevant

aircraft data needed to monitor the health of the fleet and to understand the aircraft's operating trends in real time," said Vern

Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "This new Eclipse 500 feature is another example of our commitment to use today's technology

advances to deliver a new level of General Aviation aircraft, and a customer service experience that lives up to the best of breed in other

industries."

Eclipse will develop a digital datalink system incorporating the Iridium Satellite 9522A L-Band transceiver for the Eclipse 500. The system will

transmit operational data anywhere in the world through Iridium's network of low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites. This data will provide

automatic OOOI (Out of Gate, Off Airport, On Airport, In Airport) times and engine trending information normally available to only larger

commercial airlines. Air taxi operators will also use this system to record operational times, similar to the way airlines use the Aircraft

Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) to track flights from gate departure to gate arrival. The architecture of the Eclipse

500 also allows real time diagnostics data to be sent to the Eclipse flight operations center so that an Eclipse 500's fault code may be

prioritized, even in flight.

"Eclipse is an exciting, innovative company on the cutting edge - which is a perfect marriage for Iridium's unique global communications network technology," said Matt Desch, chairman and CEO of Iridium Satellite.

"Iridium is a perfect fit for aeronautical satellite communications to VLJs, with our low-drag, lightweight airborne equipment and seamless

global connections. By partnering closely with Eclipse from early in the design process, we have been able to create a powerful satellite

communication solution that's a real market differentiator."

Information transmitted by the Eclipse 500 includes operational data, timing of departures and arrivals, as well as data related to the

maintenance status of the aircraft. The Eclipse 500 continually monitors the health of its systems and if there is an issue, the

relevant data is sent to Eclipse immediately. This data can be used to assist the crew in flight as well as to accelerate return to service

support. Customers enrolled in the JetCompleteTM program will enjoy the use of Eclipse Flight Support, an advanced preflight and enroute support service that assists with flight planning and in-flight monitoring.

Aircraft data transmitted is sent to this support center where Eclipse briefers can review and then provide the crew with additional support

resources.

"It's the ultimate extension of Cockpit Resource Management (CRM)," notes Raburn, "The point of CRM is to make use of all available

resources, and having Flight Support notified of aircraft status provides the crew with greater assistance as if they were another

crewmember."

JetComplete customers also realize value through comprehensive maintenance coverage, benefits of OneCall AOG (Aircraft On Ground)

support, savings from fuel and insurance discounts, plus recurrent training and data services, which include navigational, chart and

onboard weather data.