Eclipse Aviation CEO Vern Raburn Spotlights How IT Innovations Are Revitalizing Aviation At Flight School
Executives connect at flagship conference to explore how IT pioneers and practices are transforming space and aviation
Albuquerque, NM - Last week at Esther Dyson's first annual Flight School conference, Vern Raburn, Eclipse Aviation's president and CEO, outlined how Eclipse is using innovations and business practices from the IT industry to redefine aviation. An offshoot of Esther's Dyson's PC Forum, one of the world's premier technology conferences, Flight School is designed to bring together pioneers and entrepreneurs who are focused on aviation and space to talk strategy, tactics and experience.
Raburn participated in one of two panels that examined "On-Demand Air," the move from a centralized, hub-and-spoke commercial air travel model to a new era that will offer travelers a critical mass of scheduled air taxis. The panels explored how the pioneers of this emerging air travel category are using technology to revolutionize traditional aviation practices.
Raburn highlighted the numerous ways in which Eclipse has used lessons learned from the technology industry to create a new value proposition for jet travel. He discussed that the general aviation industry has dramatically collapsed since the late 1970s and has seen price inelasticity over the past two decades. Raburn has proven that, like the computer industry, price elasticity does exist in aviation but only with a product that dramatically moves the value curve. Eclipse is manufacturing the Eclipse 500 jet at cost that is one quarter today's small jet aircraft, will be significantly safer and easier to operate than those of today, and has the lowest cost of ownership ever achieved in a jet aircraft. He has achieved this value proposition by applying IT innovations and business lessons like high volume production, digital electronics, lean manufacturing and supplier outsourcing. The Eclipse 500 has enabled the emergence of on-demand air travel.
"Eclipse Aviation is utilizing products of the IT industry and lessons learned in the IT business to dramatically change the value proposition for jet aircraft ownership," said Raburn. "And like the IT world, all these innovations are significantly changing aviation at a rapid rate."
Raburn founded Eclipse Aviation in 1998 after a more than 20 year career in IT. In the mid 1970s, Raburn opened one of the nation's first computer stores, the Byte Shop of Westminster, CA. Shortly thereafter, he joined Bill Gates as one of the first employees at Microsoft Corporation. He served at Microsoft as president of the consumer products division and was responsible for the company's entry into the retail channel. Following Microsoft, Raburn served as executive VP and general manager of Lotus Development, where he played an integral role in the successful launch of Lotus 1-2-3. He has also served as chairman and CEO of both Symantec and Slate. Prior to founding Eclipse, Raburn worked as president of the Paul Allen Group, overseeing high technology investments.
The first Flight School conference was held at The Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona on March 23. The event was attended by an elite group of visionaries, entrepreneurs and investors who are known for leveraging innovation to redefine markets, and are currently applying this passion to the world of space and aviation. Joining Raburn were conference presenters including Eric Anderson, CEO of Space Adventures; Donald Burr, CEO of POGO Jet, Peter Diamandis, Chairman and CEO of Zero-Gravity; Ed Iacobucci, CEO of Jetson Systems; Adeo Ressi, Trustee of the Ansari X Prize; John Wright, Vice President of Business Aviation and Military Engines for Pratt & Whitney Canada; Dan Schwinn, president of Avidyne Corporation; and Robert Zubrin, president of The Mars Society.
About Eclipse Aviation
Eclipse Aviation is in the business of designing, certifying and
producing modern, affordable jet aircraft that will revolutionize the
transportation market. The company is applying advanced electronics
systems, manufacturing and business practices to produce aircraft that
cost about a quarter of today's small jet aircraft, will be
significantly safer and easier to operate than those of today, and have
the lowest cost of ownership ever achieved in a jet aircraft.
The goal of Eclipse is to bring the word "personal" into aviation, making it possible for commercial air passengers to move directly between cities on a quick, affordable and convenient basis. It will also allow pilot owners to enter the world of jet-powered aviation. Contact Eclipse at http://www.eclipseaviation.com.
Source: Eclipse Aviation