HondaJet successfully completed its first flight

Honda Motor Co.'s unit, Honda Aircraft Co., announced that its first HondaJet aircraft, which can apply for Federal Aviation Administration certification, lifted off recently. The flight marks an important step for Honda Aircraft as the initial flight of its first business jet that meets Federal Aviation Administration standards kicks off the federal certification process. Honda Aircraft operates out of Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, N.C. In 2003, the company flew its first jet, but since it didn’t have FAA approval, the aircraft could not be sold commercially.

Honda’s new version of the jet was built with parts that meet FAA standards, meaning that the jet can be used for FAA certification tests. CEO Michimasa Fujino hailed the 51-minute flight as a milestone for the company. He said the company is “very encouraged” by the initial review of the flight data, which shows that the conforming HondaJet performed as expected. Honda Aircraft, since announcing its intentions to build the light business jets, claims to have received more than 100 orders. Delivery is scheduled for the third quarter of 2012.

"This is a very important milestone for the HondaJet program," said Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO. "This aircraft was assembled and tested under strict FAA certification processes, and we are very pleased to have achieved this successful first flight. Our team has worked extremely hard to reach this critical step in the HondaJet program, and these results reflect Honda's focus and determination to develop a class-leading aircraft."