Honda Aircraft Company provided an update on the HondaJet program during a press conference at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE). 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 from a customer who will be using a fleet of HondaJets to launch a fractional owner-pilot program. The company, FlyHonda, allows customers the opportunity to fly as a co-pilot and will offer the service in the United Kingdom and Southern Europe. FlyHonda, headquartered in Isle of Man, facilitates a unique “turn-left” ownership model and delivers the ultimate convenience in owning, flying and maintaining the HondaJet.
FlyHonda joins two other HondaJet operators in Europe. Aero Training Institute Strasbourg (EATIS), a flight academy located in 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 an average headwind of 35 knots (40 mph). The HondaJet departed Miami at 2:40 p.m. (EDT) and quickly climbed 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 a 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 great potential for the 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.
