Greensboro-based Honda Aircraft is about to start delivering its first aircraft to customers: a HondaJet. The company received final approval for the plane this week from the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA presented the type certificate to the company Wednesday evening in front of more than 2,000 people at the company's headquarters.
CEO and President Michimasa Fujino says the type certification means full production of the $4.5 million lightweight jets will begin in Guilford County.
“We are planning to deliver the first aircraft by the end of this month, and from next year, we ramp up from three to four units per month, so we are really accelerating the production site as well," says Fujino.
The company has received more than 100 orders, primarily from customers in North America and Europe. The milestone comes three decades after Honda's founder set a goal of entering the aviation market.
Keith Arnold and Andy Fish are part of the engine production team. They say it's a good sign that the aviation industry is growing in the Triad.
“This is very exciting. I'm looking forward to the future,” says Arnold.
“We look forward to seeing the new models come out. This is just a start. This is like the Honda Civic and it's going to grow from there,” adds Fish.
The company says its workforce is nearing 1,700 people.
Among the guests at Wednesday's celebration were jazz musician Kenny G, who is also pilot and has flown the HondaJet.
NC Secretary of Commerce John Skvarla also spoke at the event. He thanked Fujino for picking North Carolina to produce the innovative aircraft.
“I would like to thank Honda on behalf of the state for their presence,” says Skvarla. “By the way, we have a pretty good couple of megasites here. How about we add an automobile manufacturer to the mix?”
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