Although it is being built in North Carolina, it will be another couple of years before the HondaJet will undergo U.S. federal aviation certification. But in the meantime, the aircraft launched this week in Europe at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition – held at the same Palexpo that hosts the Geneva Motor Show each year – while the jet undergoes European certification. And who do you think placed the first order? None other than Jenson Button, Honda's star F1 racing driver.
Button – who has (arguably) loyally stood by Honda (formerly known as BAR) for six straight seasons despite the team's dismal performance and in the face of offers from other teams – will take delivery of not one, but two HondaJets when they begin delivery in 2012. In addition to personal use, the scruffy F1 driver will use the jets for his new charter aircraft business. Each new HondaJet can carry five passengers and two crew in groundbreaking (but decidedly un-earth-shaking) silence to 483 mph in all the high-tech luxury expected from the creators of Asimo.
Now that its ground offensive has taken control of the battlefield, word comes that Toyota's field commanders might have an eye toward the skies. That's right: Toyota is reportedly considering an offer from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to get into the aircraft business. MHI would like to see Toyota invest in a new passenger jet project, which, if it goes forward, would set up an aerial dogfight with the HondaJet, which is already in the segment. Mitsubishi already produces its own plane, the Regional Jet. Is this the beginning of a new battle for air supremacy? Hmmm. Somebody cue the Kenny Loggins.
