HondaJet Takes to the Skies

Known mostly for the bikes and cars it produces, Japanese manufacturer Honda also has an aircraft division, one that earlier this week put to the test their latest creation, the HondaJet. Built as a light business jet by Honda Aircraft PadCompany, the plane took to the skies after it received, for the first time, the FAA approval.

The first flight lasted for 51 minutes, enough time for Honda engineers to test the aircraft's performance and systems. This first unit which follows the rules of the FAA will soon be followed by a second and a third, which will be built to help Honda further test the new jets.

"This is a very important milestone for the HondaJet program," said Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft Company CEO.

"This aircraft was assembled and tested under strict FAA certification processes, and we are very pleased to have achieved this successful first flight. Our team has worked extremely hard to reach this critical step in the HondaJet program, and these results reflect Honda's focus and determination to develop a class-leading aircraft."

Unfortunately for those craving for a bit of numbers, Honda failed to announce the performance figures of the new business jet. We expect it to do so however, as the testing of the model ends and it heads for mass production.

"We are very encouraged by our initial review of the flight data, which indicates the conforming HondaJet performed as expected. As we move forward, we will continue to focus all of our efforts and energy to deliver to our customers the most advanced light business jet yet created," added Fujino.