Eclipse can't make payroll

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Consulting firms have been skeptical about whether Eclipse Aviation will be able to survive, and one major sign came Thursday that its six-year run in Albuquerque may be coming to an end.

Employees were informed Thursday that they may not get paid for the past two weeks of work.

One employee told News 13 the vice president told them that they'll know more within the next week about when employees might get their pay.

The employee said officials told them the company is working around the clock to get financing.

The mood at Eclipse headquarters near the Albuquerque International Sunport was mixed: some employees were somber at the news, while other said they were positive things will work out for the best.

Some employees walked to their cars with boxes full of personal items. The employee News 13 spoke with said Thursday is a paid day off, and managers told employees not to come to work on Friday.

Eclipse officials have not returned News 13's phone calls.

Eclipse Aviation has been struggling recently. In August, the company laid off about 650 employees, more than a third of its workforce, saying the layoffs were needed to achieve financial stability as soon as possible.

Last month, two nationally known aerospace consulting firms predicted the company wouldn't be able to survive.

Two local restaurants are reaching out to Eclipse employees on Friday: Kelly's Brew Pub at Nob Hill is giving customers with Eclipse badges 50 percent off, while Coaches Sports Bar near the University of New Mexico is giving Eclipse employees 20 percent off food.