OREANDA-NEWS. The HondaJet received type certification today from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Honda Aircraft Company announced the achievement during a press conference at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE), which is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland from May 24 – 26.

Steven Higgins, EASA Section Manager for High Performance Aircraft and Turboprops, presented the type certificate for the HA-420 HondaJet to Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino.

"We are excited to achieve EASA certification for the HondaJet today. This certification signifies the HondaJet meets the highest European safety standards," said Fujino. "Our customers have shared that this aircraft is not only high performance, but intelligent, fun to fly and very sophisticated. HondaJet deliveries in Europe have begun, and we are excited to see the HondaJet enter service in this important market."

HondaJet sales began in Europe after significant interest by customers wanting to own the world's most advanced light jet. The HondaJet received its type certificate from the United States Federal Aviation Administration in December 2015. Deliveries have included customers in the U.S., Mexico and Europe.

Patrick Ky, EASA Executive Director declared: "This certification shows that the HA-420 HondaJet fully complies with the most stringent European safety regulations and paves the way for its entry into service. It is the culmination of a particularly successful collaboration between Honda Aircraft Company and EASA. I wish a long and safe life in service to the HA-420."

Honda Aircraft Company has established a strong dealer network to provide customers with the best service and support from day one. In Europe, Honda Aircraft has appointed three industry leaders with the expertise, service and capabilities to provide the highest level of customer service for HondaJet customers: Marshall Aviation Services (Northern Europe); Rheinland Air Service (Central Europe); and TAG Aviation SA (Southern Europe).

The HondaJet is the world's most advanced light jet, and its distinctive design incorporates advanced technologies and concepts. The HondaJet Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, natural laminar flow wing, and composite fuselage were developed from long-term research activities. These innovations combine to make the HondaJet the fastest, most spacious and most fuel-efficient jet in its class.

The HondaJet flies at a maximum cruise speed of 422 knots (486 mph) and has a maximum altitude of 43,000 feet. The aircraft is certified for single pilot operation and can seat up to six passengers. It is priced at $4.85 million (U.S.) and has an NBAA IFR range of 1,223 nautical miles (1,408 miles).

The HondaJet is the fastest, highest-flying, quietest, and most fuel-efficient jet in its class. The HondaJet incorporates many technological innovations in aviation design, including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration that dramatically improves performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. The OTWEM design also reduces cabin sound, minimizes ground-detected noise, and allows for the roomiest cabin in its class, the largest baggage capacity, and a fully serviceable private aft lavatory. The HondaJet is equipped with the most sophisticated glass flight deck available in any light business jet, a Honda-customized Garmin® G3000 The HondaJet is Honda's first commercial aircraft and lives up to the company's reputation for superior performance, efficiency, quality and value.

Honda Aircraft Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Founded in 2006, Honda Aircraft's world headquarters is located in North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation. The challenging spirit upon which Mr. Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is alive today as Honda Aircraft fulfills one of Honda's longstanding dreams to advance human mobility skyward.