HondaJet HA-420 was awarded the permission to take itself to the skies by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on December 9, 2015. Having received this much-awaited milestone, the company will soon start making deliveries.

The Japanese automaker’s aircraft arm – Honda Aircraft Company – is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Company and was founded in 2006 to accomplish its founder Soichiro Honda’s vision of moving human mobility skywards.

The $ 4.5 million HondaJet is distinct with its ‘Over-The-Wing Engine Mount’ (OTWEM) configuration to improve performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag and cabin sound. Powered by twin engines – the highly fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan and mounted on a pylon over each wing.

The light business jet will fit in with the current market comprising of Embraer Phenom 100, Cessna Citation Mustang, Cirrus SF50 Vision, Diamond D-Jet and Eclipse 550 to name a few.

First deliveries of HondaJet were originally scheduled for 2010 but faced delays on several counts. Having received a go ahead from FAA now and with 100 orders already in the pipeline, DWC looks forward to following more of this new and innovative aircraft.