Honda starts making small jets in US, aims for ‘Civic of the Sky’

Michigan: Honda Motor Co has begun making its unconventionally designed small passenger jet in the United States, aiming to create a “Civic of the Sky” that could make it a major competitor among the world’s aircraft manufacturers.

Honda said that its US-based passenger aircraft unit was building the tiny five-passenger jet, noted for its two engines mounted over the wings, in Greensboro, North Carolina.

“US federal certification for the jet’s engine should come before the end of this year and for the aircraft overall next year,” said Fumika Ishioka, a Tokyo-based Honda spokeswoman.

Some executives are counting on the project, which analysts say is behind schedule, to rekindle the spirit of innovation that many inside and outside Honda believe the company has lost.

Ishioka said well over 100 customers had placed orders for the HondaJet. The company is aiming to beef up production capacity at the US unit, Honda Aircraft Co, to be able to produce 100 jets a year within two to three years, she said.

But Honda faces steep obstacles to entry in the market, especially with its unusual design and lack of a proven track record in service and maintenance.