Honda names 3 key suppliers for HondaJet production

Honda Aircraft Company Inc. on March 15 announced agreements with GKN Aerospace-Alabama, Avcorp Industries Inc. and Garmin International Inc. as major component suppliers for the HondaJet advanced light jet, to be produced at a state-of-the-art plant in Greensboro, N.C.

GKN, of Tallassee, Ala., will supply the fuselage structural subassembly; Garmin, of Olathe, Kan., will supply a state-of-the-art avionics system specifically tailored for HondaJet; and Avcorp, of Delta, British Columbia, Canada, will supply HondaJet's wing structural subassembly.

"We are pleased to be entering into collaboration with some of North America's top aviation industry suppliers, as we continue to focus on developing an innovative aircraft of the absolute highest quality for our customers," said Michimasa Fujino, president and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company. "The sourcing of these key components from suppliers in the U.S. and Canada is consistent with Honda's philosophy of producing products close to the customer."

Honda Aircraft Company on February 9 announced plans to establish its world headquarters and jet plant in Greensboro, with construction of new facilities at Piedmont Triad International Airport. Scheduled to open late this year, the 215,000-square-foot headquarters will be the center of all activity related to HondaJet, including type certification, all sales, marketing and service support activity, and continued research and development activities. HACI expects to employ more than 300 associates at its headquarters and manufacturing facilities once the plant reaches full production.

The HACI production facility, to be built adjacent to the headquarters, will handle production of HondaJet, including final assembly of all structural components and parts, aircraft system assembly and installation, completion of the interior, and painting. The Greensboro production facility is scheduled to begin deliveries to customers in 2010.