EBACE – HondaJet

HondaJet First European Customer, Service & Training Networks
Honda Aircraft Company introduced F-1 racer and entrepreneur Jenson Button as the first European HondaJet customer during last week’s EBACE meeting in Geneva ushering in the launch of its European sales efforts. Button, who is forming a new aviation charter business and has placed orders for two HondaJets. Button will take first delivery in late 2012. The company also announced a new service network, expanded training and the debut of a new in-flight entertainment (IFE) system concept with cutting-edge features.
"We are very enthusiastic about the future potential of the flight charter business and the unique capabilities of the HondaJet in helping us achieve a successful launch of this new enterprise," said Button. "I am especially impressed with the many advanced technologies on HondaJet that provide class-leading performance, efficiency, and agility without sacrificing environmental concerns. My personal experience with Honda and its dedication to performance, quality and engineering excellence in every detail clearly demonstrates the value in flying HondaJet."
European customers will begin taking delivery of the new jet in 2012, two years after deliveries are scheduled to begin in the U.S. 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 Administration type certification in 2010. Honda is concurrently pursuing European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification with FAA certification.

European Service Network
Honda also announced that it is establishing a new European network of three HondaJet-exclusive sales and service centers, scheduled to open in late 2012 when the first HondaJet is set to be delivered on the continent. The network – based in the U.K., Germany and Spain, is modeled after the national network it has successfully established in the U.S.
HondaJet is partnering with three European companies to establish a network of stand-alone, state-of-the-art centers dedicated exclusively to the sales and service of HondaJet.
For Northern European and U.K. customers, Honda Aircraft Company will partner with TAG Aviation SA to establish HondaJet U.K. & Northern Europe at Farnborough Airport. This HondaJet facility will provide sales and service support for HondaJet customers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
For Central European customers, the company is partnering with Rheinland Air Service GmbH to establish HondaJet Central Europe in Frankfurt, Germany. Central European HondaJet customers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia will be supported by HondaJet Central Europe. Meanwhile, its Southern European customers will use the company’s new partner, Aviastec which will establish HondaJet Southern Europe in the Madrid to service Spain, Portugal, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
"Europe is one of the fastest growing markets for light jets as demonstrated by the great number of customers who have contacted us over the past two years about owning a HondaJet," said President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. "It has long been my dream to share the HondaJet with customers around the world, and I am very happy that we have received such a positive reception for the HondaJet from European customers. Their strong interest in the HondaJet demonstrates worldwide confidence in the quality of the product we are developing in Greensboro."
Research and development on HondaJet has been underway in Greensboro, N.C. since 2000 by Honda R&D Americas. In 2006, Honda Aircraft Company was officially established to oversee the further development, production and marketing of HondaJet. Honda Aircraft Company's new world headquarters, R&D facility and production plant are under construction at PTI, with first deliveries of HondaJet in the U.S. scheduled for 2010.
HondaJet first went on sale in the U.S. in 2006 and quickly generated well over 100 orders for the $3.9 million aircraft. HondaJet incorporates many innovative technological advances in aviation design, including a unique over-the-wing, engine-mount configuration that dramatically improves aircraft performance and fuel efficiency by significantly reducing aerodynamic drag in flight. This innovative approach to airframe design also lowers ground-detected noise when overhead and allows for a more spacious cabin and greater cargo capacity. HondaJet is powered by two highly fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan jet engines.
The company's world headquarters and R&D facility are scheduled for completion in summer 2008, with the production facility and delivery center scheduled to be completed in late 2009.

Expansion w/Flight Safety
Honda Aircraft Company also announced an expansion of its relationship with FlightSafety International, the world's leading pilot training company, to provide its customers with flight training in Europe. The expanded partnership covers pilot training for all European customers. FlightSafety International is developing a Level-D full-motion flight simulator for HondaJet. The first simulator will be installed at Honda Aircraft Company's new headquarters facility, and a European location will be announced in the future.
"We are pleased to offer our European customers the world's highest quality of pilot training through our partnership with FlightSafety International," Fujino said. "This symbolizes our commitment to provide class-leading support in every aspect of the light-jet ownership experience."

New HondaJet Entertainment Concept
Honda further unveiled at EBACE a cutting-edge in-flight entertainment (IFE) system concept. The system offers passengers personal control of in-cabin video and audio entertainment, climate systems, and cabin/cockpit communications through high-definition touch panel displays. The touch panel displays deploy from the ceiling and provide passengers with access to video and audio programs.