Honda Aircraft Company Shares HondaJet Update at EBACE 2017
May 22, 2017, Switzerland
- Sales begin in Southeast Asia
- Multiple aircraft ordered to support new fractional ownership program
- Speed record set from Miami to Panama City
- Reinforce South America sales
GENEVA — May 21, 2017 — Honda Aircraft Company provided an update on the HondaJet program during a press conference at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) being held May 22 – May 24 in Geneva, Switzerland. The company has expanded sales of the HondaJet to Southeast Asia and received multiple aircraft orders to support a new fractional ownership program in the United Kingdom and Southern Europe.
Sales begin in Southeast Asia
“Following a strong introduction of the HondaJet at ABACE 2017 and significant interest from customers about owning a HondaJet, we are beginning aircraft sales in Southeast Asia,” said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “We see great potential for the HondaJet in Southeast Asia, one of the world’s fastest growing regions.”
Honda Aircraft Company has partnered with Thai Aerospace Services (TAS) to establish HondaJet Southeast Asia. TAS will provide sales, service and support for HondaJet customers in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam. TAS is a leading aviation company headquartered in Bangkok with more than 40 years of aviation experience.
“Thai Aerospace Services is honored to be selected as a partner to sell and support the HondaJet in Southeast Asia,” said Kasabol Bowonsrikan, CEO and managing director of Thai Aerospace Services. “With Bangkok’s central location among the ASEAN countries and proximity to major international hubs like Hong Kong, the range of the HondaJet extends to every destination in the region.”
Multiple HondaJets ordered for new fractional ownership program
Honda Aircraft Company has received multiple orders for a hybrid fractional ownership program for those who wish to turn left or right. The company, FlyHonda, based in the Isle of Man, allows customers the opportunity to fly. Service will be offered in the United Kingdom and Europe.
FlyHonda joins two other HondaJet operators in Europe. European Aero Training Institude Strasbourg (EATIS), a flight academy located at the Strasbourg, France, will launch a public transport under an Air Operator Certificate with a HondaJet this summer. Privateways, a boutique jet charter company in Geestland, Germany, began a charter service in April.
Speed record set from Miami to Panama City
In April, the HondaJet made its first-ever appearance at Aero Expo Panama Pacifico 2017. On its route to Panama, the HondaJet set a speed record on April 19, 2017.
The National Aeronautical Association recognized the HondaJet flew from Miami to Panama in 3 hours and 7 minutes even with average headwind of 35 knots (40 mph). The HondaJet departed Miami at 2:40 p.m. (EDT) and quickly ascended to 43,000 feet, allowing the crew to navigate over the weather and traffic. It arrived to the Panama Pacifico Airport at 5:47 p.m. (EDT), setting a record.
Reinforce South America sales
Honda Aircraft Company also announced it has appointed its sales and service dealer in South America with a Buenos Aires-based Hangar Uno. As HondaJet Argentina, Hangar Uno will provide sales, service and support to customers in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.
“There is a great potential for HondaJet in this territory and this is the first step toward strong partnership with Honda Aircraft,” said Guíllermo Tufro, Hangar Uno founder and CEO.
Honda Aircraft Company concluded the first quarter of 2017 with 15 aircraft deliveries, the most delivered light jet in its class. At the company’s world headquarters in Greensboro, N.C., production continues its steady ramp up to meet customer demand.
For more information about the world’s most advanced light jet, visit www.HondaJet.com.
About HondaJet
The HondaJet is the fastest, highest-flying, quietest, and most fuel-efficient jet in its class. The HondaJet incorporates many technological innovations in aviation design, including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration that dramatically improves performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. The OTWEM design also reduces cabin sound, minimizes ground-detected noise, and allows for the roomiest cabin in its class, the largest baggage capacity, and a fully serviceable private aft lavatory. The HondaJet is equipped with the most sophisticated glass flight deck available in any light business jet, a Honda-customized Garmin® G3000 The HondaJet is Honda's first commercial aircraft and lives up to the company's reputation for superior performance, efficiency, quality and value.
Honda Aircraft Company
Honda Aircraft Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Founded in 2006, Honda Aircraft is responsible for the design, manufacturing, sales, service and support of the HondaJet. The company’s world headquarters is located in Greensboro, North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation. The challenging spirit upon which Mr. Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is alive today as Honda Aircraft fulfills one of Honda’s longstanding dreams to advance human mobility skyward.