Honda is reaching new heights, literally. Honda Aircraft Company announced that the first production HondaJet achieved its initial flight. The event took place at the company’s world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Expressing his views on HondaJet’s successful flight, Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino said, “With this first flight, the program has entered an exciting phase as we prepare for delivery.” Fujio further added, “Today’s celebration is the culmination of extensive engineering and production efforts, and this is an important achievement in bringing the world’s most advanced light jet to market.”
The first production aircraft lifted off from the Piedmont Triad International Airport (KGSO) at 10:18 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. During the 84-minute flight, the aircraft climbed to 15,500 feet and reached a top speed of 348 Knots True Air Speed (KTAS).
Aircraft production continues its steady pace in advance of entry into service with ten aircraft now on the final assembly line. This steady build up supports the company’s objective to have aircraft ready for delivery immediately after Federal Aviation Administration type certification is achieved. The HondaJet will be single pilot certified and is currently offered for sale in North America and Europe through the HondaJet dealer network.
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