Honda Aircraft Company

Honda Aircraft Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., was established in August 2006 as a significant extension of Honda's innovation in aerospace technology. This company is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has become renowned for designing and manufacturing the HondaJet, a light business jet that has garnered widespread acclaim.

The journey of Honda Aircraft Company began with the experimental and visionary work led by Michimasa Fujino, who joined Honda R&D in 1984 and later conceptualized the HondaJet. Fujino's research in aeronautics and the unique over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) design were instrumental in setting Honda's aircraft apart in the aviation industry. One of the most remarkable historical milestones was the maiden flight of the HondaJet prototype in December 2003, which demonstrated Honda's potential to enter the highly competitive aviation market.

In October 2006, Honda Aircraft Company announced its full-scale production plans during the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention. By 2010, the company achieved a key objective by getting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Inspection Authorization, which cleared the way for final certification. In December 2015, after years of meticulous development and rigorous testing, the HondaJet HA-420 received FAA type certification, marking a momentous achievement in aviation history.

Noteworthy in their timeline is the record-setting performance. In 2016, the HondaJet became the fastest, highest-flying, and most fuel-efficient jet in its class, solidifying its place as a significant player in aviation. Honda Aircraft has continually evolved, releasing the HondaJet Elite in 2018, which featured extended range and advanced avionics, reflecting their commitment to innovation.