Setting The Stage For Big Announcements

If size means anything, manufacturers displaying their wares at EAA AirVenture are exploiting its full potential. Many of the displays are noticeably larger, grander and more spectacle-oriented (which may just be an indication that, in the absence of anything really new, they’ve had time to hype up the hype). Of anticipated news, it’s expected that Eclipse will have a big announcement about its 500 very light jet sometime during the show. (We’ve heard much more specific information, but Eclipse’s press briefing isn’t until Thursday). The first Eclipse 500 destined for customer ownership flew yesterday, and whatever other news is coming, the Eclipse display matches the magnitude of a grand announcement. Gone are the motivational-poster-style sign panels and replacing them is a theatre-style valance with a head-on shot of the airplane bearing down on a bright orange path painted down the middle of the display area. Eclipse may also upstage one of its competitors. Both Eclipse and Adam have scheduled news conferences for the same time on Thursday.