Honda Aircraft Company today announced several achievements and milestones in the development of the HondaJet. At a press conference today at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, the President and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company Michimasa Fujino said, “Honda Aircraft Company’s most important goals are achieving Federal Aviation Administration Type Certification and delivering the first customer aircraft. Our total effort is focused on reaching these much anticipated milestones in the first quarter of 2015.”
As certification and flight testing continues, the first production HondaJet is in final assembly with the first set of production GE Honda HF120 engines installed. Following engine installation, Honda Aircraft will conduct ground tests on the aircraft with its first flight anticipated this summer.
HondaJet is the world’s most advanced light business jet aircraft, with best-in-class advantages in performance, comfort, quality and efficiency. The HondaJet is the fastest, highest-flying, quietest, and most fuel-efficient jet in its class. The HondaJet incorporates many technological innovations in aviation design, including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration that dramatically improves performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. The OTWEM design also reduces cabin sound, minimizes ground-detected noise, and allows for the roomiest cabin in its class, the largest baggage capacity, and a fully serviceable private aft lavatory. The HondaJet is powered by two highly fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan jet engines, and is equipped with the most sophisticated glass flight deck available in any light business jet, a Honda-customized Garmin® G3000 next-generation, all-glass avionics system composed of three 14-inch landscape-format displays and dual touch-screen controllers. The HondaJet is Honda’s first commercial aircraft and lives up to the company’s reputation for superior performance, efficiency, quality and value.
Hondajet assembly line
Production moves forward with nine aircrafts already on the assembly line. This steady build up supports Honda Aircraft Company’s objective to have aircraft ready for delivery immediately after type certification is achieved next year.
The first production aircraft to come off the assembly line will debut a new exterior paint scheme of deep pearl green with a gold stripe. The new color will be offered in addition to silver, red, yellow and blue exterior finishes.
In addition to preparing the aircraft themselves, Honda Aircraft is putting significant effort and investment into flight and maintenance training for customers. Working with FlightSafety International, Honda Aircraft is currently developing pilot and maintenance training curriculums with classes scheduled to begin later this year in the U.S.
“Honda Aircraft Company, along with our worldwide network of dealers and suppliers, are working together to support the seamless transition to customers. Our goal is to have everything ready before the first delivery. We are committed through our network to deliver the best ownership experience from day one,” said Fujino.
