Honda Aircraft is preparing to begin a world tour with its HondaJet light business aircraft, ahead of planned US type certification and service entry of the $4.5 million twinjet in the coming months.
The six-seat type – which secured provisional approval late last month – will make its first stop in Japan later this month, touring a number of key airports and special events.
The HondaJet will then continue to Europe, where it will make its first ever appearance at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition between 19-21 May.
Honda expects the GE Honda HF120-powered aircraft to travel to 13 countries during the tour and notch up more than 26,000nm (48,000km).
The first HondaJet prototype flew in 2003. Since re-engining and other improvements, four flight test aircraft have flown more than 2,500h.
The company’s final assembly line in Greensboro, North Carolina, is fully occupied with 12 aircraft. A further five aircraft are in earlier stages of the production flow, says Honda Aircraft.
Source: Flight International
