Honda Aircraft Company held a press conference today at the European EBACE (European Aviation Convention and Exhibition) in Geneva, Switzerland for announcing several milestones and achievements in the development of the HondaJet. Michimasa Fujino, Chief Executive Officer and President at Honda Aircraft Company said: “The company’s most important goals are achieving Federal Aviation Administration Type Certification and delivering the first aircraft.” “Our effort is focused on reaching these much anticipated milestones in the first quarter of next year.”
As flight testing and certification continues, the first production HondaJet HA-420 is in final assembly with the first set of production GE Honda HF120 powerplants installed. Following engine installation, Honda Aircraft will be conducting ground tests on the aircraft with its first flight anticipated in the near future. Production moves forward with nine aircrafts already on the assembly line. This steady built-up supports Honda Aircraft Company’s objective to have aircraft ready for delivery immediately after type certification is achieved in 2015.
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 available in addition to blue, yellow, red and silver exterior finishes. Besides preparing the aircraft themselves, the company is putting significant investment and effort into flight and maintenance training for customers. Working with FlightSafety International, Honda Aircraft is currently developing maintenance and pilot training curriculums with classes scheduled to start later this year in the United States.
Fujino added, “Honda Aircraft Company, in addition to our worldwide network of suppliers and dealers, are working together to support the flawless transition to customers.” “We are committed through our network to deliver the best ownership experience from day one.” Moreover, Honda Aircraft’s 1000th member of the workforce team joined the company this year. The company’s increasing workforce symbolizes more than 43 nations and some of the aviation industry’s top talent.
