Staff Reductions Come to ONE Aviation

ONE Aviation told employees last week that some will lose their jobs as the company phases out production of the Eclipse EA550 light jet and makes room for the new EA700 Project Canada aircraft still under development. ONE Aviation successfully completed the first flight of the proof-of-concept wing for the EA700 last month.

A ONE Aviation spokesman said personnel reductions will be felt not only at ONE Aviation’s main manufacturing site in Albuquerque, but also in Chicago, Superior, Wisconsin and Brunswick, Maine. Because ONE Aviation is privately held, specific employee numbers for each site were not reported. The company said it remains committed to continue providing the highest standard of service and support for current EA500/EA550 owners through its global service and distribution network.

Staff reduction news adds to ONE Aviation woes following last week's announcement that the company's Kestrel Aircraft division had been evicted from hangar space in Brunswick. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. also said Kestrel was nearly a year behind in repaying loans that organization made to the company for the site in Superior.