Honda Aircraft Company began European sales of the HondaJet advanced light jet at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) by introducing its first customer in the region – F-1 racer and business entrepreneur, Jenson Button. To provide sales and service support to its customers in Europe, the company announced that it will establish a new European network of three HondaJet-exclusive sales and service centers.
Honda Aircraft Company will partner with TAG Aviation SA to establish HondaJet U.K. & Northern Europe at Farnborough Airport, U.K., with Rheinland Air Service GmbH to establish HondaJet Central Europe in Frankfurt, Germany and with Aviastec to establish HondaJet Southern Europe in the Madrid area of Spain.
Honda Aircraft Company anticipates its first test flight of a conforming model in early 2009, with the overall timetable calling for the achievement of U.S. Federal Aviation type certification in 2010. The company is scheduled to begin deliveries of HondaJet to U.S. customers in 2010. Honda is concurrently pursuing European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification with FAA certification.
Honda Aircraft Company also announced an expansion of its relationship with FlightSafety International, a leading pilot training company, to provide its customers with flight training in Europe. Further, Honda debuted a new in-flight entertainment (IFE) system concept with cutting-edge features.
