ORLANDO, Fla., U.S.A., October 17, 2006 – Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. began sales of HondaJet at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention with the announcement of the price, production specifications and a sales and service network for its advanced light jet.  Scheduled to go into production in the U.S. in 2010, pricing is set at $3.65 million for HondaJet in its standard configuration.

Honda also took another step toward the market introduction of HondaJet with the announcement that it submitted, on October 11, its application for FAA type certification, and anticipates achieving both type and production certification within 3 to 4 years.

“A passion for aviation propelled HondaJet into the air, but a strong business case is what is taking it to the customer,” said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.  “In every one of our business activities, our goal is to create new value for the customer.  HondaJet meets this challenging objective.”

Key production specifications and performance figures for HondaJet establish it as the fastest and most fuel efficient jet in its class while setting a new standard for interior space and comfort.  HondaJet features a class-topping cruise speed of 420 knots with an IFR range of 1180 nautical miles^*1, and a 30-35 percent gain in fuel efficiency versus other jets of comparable performance.  HondaJet’s cabin is about 1-foot longer than even larger ‘light jet’ offerings, and features a fully-private lavatory along with a spacious 57-cubic foot aft cargo hold.

HondaJet will be sold through five regional sales groups (East, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and Northwest) operating 14 offices around the country to provide HondaJet customers’ with a truly superior sales and ownership experience.  The HondaJet dealer network was developed in collaboration with Piper Aircraft, Inc., as a result of a business alliance announced in July 2006.  Honda Aircraft Company will also seek to establish a network of service facilities within 90-minutes flight time from any location in the U.S. to further advance its goal of establishing a new level of customer service and support. 

“Just as we have targeted real innovation with HondaJet design itself, we are equally committed to creating an innovative sales and service network,” said Michimasa Fujino, president & CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.  “We will be working with our retail partners to ensure that every HondaJet customer is the recipient of unprecedented levels of sales and service for the life of their ownership experience.”

HondaJet sets new standards for performance, quality and comfort with a series of new technologies and design features that signify a revolutionary departure from conventional light jet designs.  It’s most unique and recognizable feature – the over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) configuration – liberates precious fuselage space by eliminating the carry-through structures of conventional fuselage-mounted engine designs while significantly reducing aerodynamic drag at high speeds.  Its natural laminar flow (NLF) wing and fuselage nose further reduce drag, contributing to HondaJet’s class-topping speed and fuel efficiency. 

HondaJet’s all-composite fuselage uses a combination of honeycomb sandwich and stiffened panel structures cured integrally using a patented process.  This unique construction results in lower fuselage weight while contributing to HondaJet’s unusually sleek and smooth appearance.

An advanced, customized, all-glass cockpit based on the state-of-the-art Garmin avionics platform, will boast new features and capabilities unique to HondaJet.

With a top speed of 420 knots, a 43,000-foot service ceiling and a 30-35 percent increase in fuel efficiency versus comparable light jets, HondaJet embodies Honda’s commitment to superior efficiency and performance through the application of advanced technology.  In addition, HondaJet’s optimized control surfaces results in a highly refined, sporty and responsive flying characteristic. 

Two GE-Honda HF120 turbofan engines, each rated at 1880 pounds (at take-off thrust) deliver higher fuel efficiency and the lowest engine emissions and quietest operation in their thrust class^*2.

HondaJet will be offered in two interior configurations: with seating for seven (2 pilots and 5 passengers) in standard configuration, and with seating for eight (2 pilots and six  forward-facing passenger seats) in air taxi configuration.

HondaJet’s cabin offers its passengers unprecedented levels of comfort with as much as six inches more leg room (per passenger) than competitive offerings.  HondaJet’s 57 cubic-foot aft cargo hold is as much as 50 percent larger than other jets in its class.  Additional cargo storage is provided by a nine cubic-foot nose cargo hold.

HondaJet was developed with Honda’s legendary commitment to quality and world-class engineering.  Attention to detail in every aspect of its design, testing and construction ensures an aircraft of the highest quality and design integrity.  To date, HondaJet has logged more than 260 hours of in-flight testing with superior results.

HondaJet will be produced in the United States at a location to be determined in the future, with a projected capacity scheduled to reach 70 jets per year within several years of its 2010 production start.  The company will maintain a significant degree of flexibility in its production plan and will continue to evaluate demand as it moves closer to actual production.

Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. is a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co. Ltd., established in August 2006 to oversee certification, production, sales and service of HondaJet. More information about HondaJet including complete specifications is available at hondajet.honda.com.