Very Light Jet (VLJ) - Legacy Production
Eclipse 550: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Eclipse Aerospace / One Aviation (production largely ended 2017)
Eclipse 550: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Eclipse 550 is the updated successor to the Eclipse 500, manufactured primarily between 2013 and 2017 by Eclipse Aerospace and One Aviation. Powered by the same twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F engines as the 500 (900 lbf each), the 550 incorporates improved Avio NG avionics with autothrottle, synthetic vision, enhanced vision systems, and anti-skid brakes. Initial 2011 launch price was $2.695 million; today's pre-owned market averages approximately $2.04 million.
For owner-operators who want the Eclipse 500's airframe and economics with meaningful safety and avionics upgrades, the Eclipse 550 is the better choice on the pre-owned market.
Eclipse 550 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Very Light Jet (VLJ) - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2017 (brief 2023 deliveries) |
| Announced | NBAA 2011 |
| First Roll-Out | March 2013 |
| First Customer Delivery | October 22, 2013 |
| Production End | 2017 (final 4 aircraft); 2 more delivered 2023 |
| Crew | 1 pilot (single-pilot certified) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 4 to 5 |
| Passengers (Max) | 5 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,125 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 375 ktas (Mach 0.65) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 360 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 41,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F-A |
| Thrust per Engine | 900 lbf (1,800 lbf total) |
| Fuel Burn | 48 to 59 gph |
| Avionics | Eclipse Avio NG with autothrottle, SV, EV |
| Fatigue Limit (FAA) | 20,000 hrs / 20,000 cycles, unlimited calendar life |
| Cabin Length | 7 ft 6 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.67 ft (56 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.17 ft (50 in) |
| Total Baggage Volume | 16 cubic ft |
| Balanced Field Length | 2,825 ft |
| Original Price (2011) | $2,695,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $1,800,000 to $2,400,000 |
History and Development
The Eclipse 550 was Eclipse Aerospace's response to its 2009 acquisition of the original Eclipse Aviation assets. Announced at NBAA 2011, the 550 promised to deliver the improvements that the bankrupt original Eclipse Aviation had not been able to complete.
Key milestones:
- August 2009: Eclipse Aerospace acquires Eclipse Aviation assets
- 2010: Sikorsky Aircraft invests, enabling 550 development
- October 2011: Eclipse 550 announced at NBAA, $2.695M launch price
- April 2012: FAA production certificate awarded
- May 2012: Deal with PZL Mielec (Sikorsky subsidiary) to build fuselage, empennage, wings
- March 2013: First aircraft rolled out
- October 22, 2013: First customer delivery
- June 2013: FAA approves 20,000 hour / 20,000 cycle fatigue limit, unlimited calendar life
- April 2015: Eclipse Aerospace merges with Kestrel Aircraft to form One Aviation
- March 2017: Production end announced (final 4 aircraft)
- October 2018: One Aviation Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- February 2021: Chapter 7 liquidation
- 2023: Two additional Eclipse 550s delivered after asset reorg
What's New on the 550 vs the 500
The Eclipse 550 retains the 500's airframe and PW610F engines but adds:
- Autothrottle: Standard on 550
- Synthetic Vision System (SVS): 3D terrain awareness
- Enhanced Vision System (EVS): Improved low-visibility operations
- Anti-skid braking: Standard
- Satellite phones: Cabin connectivity
- Improved Avio NG avionics: Updated software and integration
- Dual flight management systems: Enhanced redundancy
Cabin and Performance
The Eclipse 550 cabin and performance match the 500: 7.5 ft × 4.67 ft × 4.17 ft cabin, 1,125 nm range, 375 ktas max cruise, 41,000 ft service ceiling, 48-59 gph fuel burn.
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F-A turbofans power the Eclipse 550, each producing 900 lbf of thrust. The "-A" suffix denotes minor improvements over the original PW610F.
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~55 gph) | $385 to $495 |
| Maintenance | $315 |
| Engine Reserve | $150 |
| Misc Variable | $200 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$1,050 to $1,250/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $1.1 million all-in.
Pricing
| Year | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2017 Eclipse 550 (final production) | $2,200,000 to $2,400,000 |
| 2014 to 2016 Eclipse 550 | $1,900,000 to $2,200,000 |
| 2013 Eclipse 550 | $1,800,000 to $2,000,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles match the Eclipse 500: value-focused owner-operators, short regional missions, and buyers prioritizing fuel economy in twin-engine jets. The 550 is the preferred choice if budget allows, given its improved avionics and safety equipment.
Eclipse 550 vs Eclipse 500
| Feature | Eclipse 500 | Eclipse 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Engines | PW610F (900 lbf) | PW610F-A (900 lbf) |
| Avionics | Avio NG (basic) | Avio NG (improved with autothrottle, SVS, EVS) |
| Anti-Skid Brakes | Retrofit option | Standard |
| Synthetic Vision | Retrofit | Standard |
| Enhanced Vision | Not available | Standard |
| Pre-Owned Price | $1.2M to $1.5M | $1.8M to $2.4M |
The 550's price premium reflects meaningful safety and avionics improvements.
Pros and Cons
What the Eclipse 550 Does Well
- Most modern avionics in any Eclipse Jet
- Single-pilot certified
- Lowest fuel burn of any twin-engine jet (48-59 gph)
- Anti-skid brakes (rare in entry VLJ class)
- Synthetic and Enhanced Vision standard
- 20,000 hr / 20,000 cycle fatigue limit with unlimited calendar life
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Manufacturer (One Aviation) bankrupt
- Production essentially ended 2017
- AML Global Eclipse provides ongoing support
- Cabin remains small (same as Eclipse 500)
- 16 cu ft baggage minimal
- Long-term parts and support depend on AML Global Eclipse commitment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Eclipse 550 still in production?
Largely no. Production essentially ended in 2017 after the final four aircraft, with two additional deliveries in 2023 following an asset reorganization. AML Global Eclipse maintains fleet support.
How is the Eclipse 550 different from the Eclipse 500?
The 550 adds autothrottle, Synthetic Vision System, Enhanced Vision System, anti-skid brakes, satellite phones, dual FMS, and improved Avio NG avionics. The airframe and PW610F engines remain the same.
How far can an Eclipse 550 fly?
The Eclipse 550 has a maximum range of approximately 1,125 nautical miles, identical to the Eclipse 500 with updates.
Is the Eclipse 550 single-pilot certified?
Yes. The Eclipse 550 retains the Eclipse 500's single-pilot certification.
Who supports the Eclipse 550 fleet today?
AML Global Eclipse (operating as Eclipse Aerospace, Inc.) maintains parts and service support for the existing Eclipse 500 and 550 fleet following One Aviation's 2021 bankruptcy.
The Bottom Line
The Eclipse 550 is the right answer when the Eclipse 500's price and fuel economy appeal but you want meaningful avionics and safety improvements. The 550's autothrottle, synthetic vision, and anti-skid brakes are genuine upgrades that justify the price premium for many buyers. As with the Eclipse 500, long-term support uncertainty is the primary acquisition consideration.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Eclipse 550 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence.
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Book a Eclipse 550 on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the Eclipse 550 and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live Eclipse 550 availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
AVIA Technologies is the technology platform behind the Quantum Jets mobile app. The AVIA Technologies app powers the private jet charter marketplace experience: search the catalog, compare a Eclipse 550 against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Eclipse 550 for jet sales, manage a fleet under aircraft management or private jet management, and execute a private jet card purchase, all from one private jet app. The Quantum Jets app and the AVIA Technologies app share the same backend so client data, trip history, and aircraft preferences carry across both surfaces.
Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Eclipse 550 to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
Eclipse 550 Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Eclipse 550 operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Eclipse 550 for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the Eclipse 550 for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access Eclipse 550-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the Eclipse 550 flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the Eclipse 550 retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Eclipse 550-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Eclipse 550 fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Eclipse 550 for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Eclipse 500: Predecessor Variant
- Cirrus Vision Jet G2+: Current-Production Single-Engine Alternative
- Cessna Citation Mustang: Legacy VLJ Competitor
Specifications and pricing accurate as of 2026. Production of the Eclipse 550 essentially ended in 2017. All acquisitions are pre-owned. AML Global Eclipse maintains fleet support.