"We are excited to commence deliveries of the HondaJet, fulfilling Honda's commitment to advancing human mobility through innovation," said Michimasa Fujino, president and CEO of Honda Aircraft. "Honda Aircraft has now extended this commitment skyward with the delivery of our first aircraft, and I hope we soon will begin to see many HondaJets at airports around the world."
After years of development and work, HondaJet received its type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration on Dec. 8, which cleared the way for the company to begin delivering the $4.5 million lightweight jet which is billed as the fastest, highest-flying, quietest and most fuel-efficient jet in its class.
The jet is built at Honda Aircraft's headquarters at Piedmont Triad International Airport and marketed for sale in North America, South America and Europe. The airport is also home to a 90,000-square-foot customer service facility for the high-end jets.
Honda Aircraft's Greensboro campus also includes a full-motion flight simulator used for pilot training at its Honda Aircraft Training Center.
The company, which employs nearly 1,700 at its campus, said earlier this month that it is ramping up production, with 25 aircraft on the final assembly line.
No word on whether Santa Claus will be making his way around the world tonight courtesy of a new HondaJet.
Source: http://www.bizjournals.com
I wonder why pilots/aircraft owners are criticizing the Honda plane before it has had a chance to establish a track record. Looking at the plane reminds of a beautiful piece of sculpture. Naturally it will have to have competitive servicing costs. A jet is not an auto and if you want to discuss service costs my Mercedes AMG has given me several heart attacks, such as $2000 + for brakes. The HondaJet aircraft owner crew will have to learn the intricacies of it's handling which is true for any new plane. No matter, you have to give Honda credit for their long term planning, diligence and patience. While their success isn't guaranteed hopefully their hard work will pay off. I must say it's a beautiful looking airplane and Mr. Fujino and his associates should be very proud of the deliveries. Congratulations!
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