Japanese car giant Honda (NYSE:HMC) has finally flown into the world of aeroplanes with aplomb as US authorities have rubber stamped its $4.5mln business jet.
It comes three decades after Honda’s founder started developing the product and well over ten years' of testing and fine-tuning.
The group now has 25 of the seven-seater luxury planes in final assembly in North Carolina and is preparing for pilot training and deliveries by the end of the year.
The firm is well known for its quality car engines but it now is looking to get a reputation for itself in the skies.
The president of the Honda Aircraft division has described the aeroplane as a "flying sports car" - and commentators say it clearly demonstrates the car maker's plans to showcase aeroplanes and Formula One engines to underline the quality of it cars.
The HondaJet has jet engines on top of the wings, which increases fuel efficiency by about 15% and frees up around 20% more cabin space.
The new HondaJet is described by the globally recognised engine-maker as the fastest, quietest and most fuel-efficient jet in its class.
Certification from the US FAA (federal Aviation Administration) for the plane, demonstrating air worthiness, is the second recent milestone for Japanese aircraft.
Last month, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp.’s Mitsubishi Regional Jet, the first passenger plane developed in Japan in more than half a century, made its debut flight.