HondaJet spreads its wings in South America
Last week saw the Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (LABACE) take place in Sao Paolo. And the aircraft that had everyone talking? It was the all-new HondaJet.
This new contender in the small jet category has been on a global sales tour since April, following the announcement of its provisional FAA certification in March. And it has been drawing compliments wherever it flies – with the latest stint in South America certainly no exception.
At LABACE there was a static HondaJet on display, but following the show, The Honda Aircraft Company, and the exclusive dealer for the aircraft’s sales and maintenance in South America, Líder Aviação, took some prospective customers on a demonstration tour.
The company reported ‘multiple orders’ from the first day at LABACE, so it certainly seems that the marketing efforts are paying off.
What makes the HondaJet unique?
Along with the novelty factor of a car manufacturer producing an aircraft, the HondaJet is attracting attention for its innovation in the small jet class.
It promises to offer best-in-class advantages in performance, comfort, quality and efficiency. A unique, clean-sheet design for a super-efficient small jet, to rival the market leaders in category, such as Cessna’s Citation Mustang and Embraer’s Phenom 100.
The most notable and eye-catching feature of the HondaJet is the Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM). This frees up cabin space, giving room for up to 6 passengers, in a cabin body size that would usually only allow 4.
The HondaJet will allow flights of up to 3 hours at a maximum speed of 420 kts. It also has a separate lavatory onboard (not always the case with small jets).
When will the HondaJet be available for private jet charter?
Full FAA certification is expected imminently, following the provisional sign-off earlier in the year. So it’s likely to be late in 2015 when this long-awaited aircraft starts to be finally be delivered to its owners.
So we expect to see the first HondaJet becoming available to charter in 2016. We can’t wait.
Looking to charter a small jet in the meantime? Our Flight Team can advise on which aircraft is best for your flight. Contact us or call (24 hours) +44 1747 642 777.
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