HondaJet takes off in USA

Honda has announced plans to enter the HondaJet in the expanding ‘very light jet’ market, with the sales order process expected to begin in America later this year.

To achieve this, Honda will establish a new U.S. company to hold Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification and production certification. The aim is to complete type certification in about three to four years, followed by the start of production in North America.

Making the announcement at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture 2006, Honda also revealed plans to form a business alliance with Piper Aircraft to collaborate on sales and service, and to explore opportunities in engineering and other areas within general and business aviation.

“Aviation has been an important dream of Honda for more than four decades,” said Satoshi Toshida, senior managing director of Honda Motor Company. “Our goal is consistent with the philosophy of other Honda products – to provide convenient and efficient transportation that will make people’s lives better. We are excited now to enter a new dimension of mobility.”