First production HondaJet aircraft nears completion
Honda Jet Aircraft Certification and flight testing continue
- First production aircraft in final assembly
- New paint choice added to the line-up
- Continued growth with workforce exceeding 1,000
Honda Aircraft Company held a press conference today at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland to annouce several achievements and milestones in the development of the HondaJet.
“Honda Aircraft Company’s most important goals are achieving Federal Aviation Administration Type Certification and delivering the first customer aircraft,” said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “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.
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,” said Fujino. “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.”
Moreover, Honda Aircraft’s 1,000th member of the workforce team member joined the company this year. The company’s growing workforce represent more than 43 countries and represents the aviation industry’s top talent.
