Honda Aircraft on Thursday disclosed it forged agreements with GKN Aerospace, Avcorp and Garmin as major component suppliers for the HondaJet. GKN’s Tallassee, Ala. facility will supply the jets composite fuselage structural subassembly; Olathe,Kan.-based Garmin will provide a state-of-the-art avionics system “specifically tailored” for the HondaJet; and Avcorp of Delta, British Columbia, will build the aluminum 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 Honda Aircraft President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. On February 9, Honda Aircraft announced plans to establish its world headquarters and jet production plant in Greensboro, N.C. The companys 215,000-sq-ft headquarters will be the center of all HondaJet activity, including type certification; sales, marketing and service support activity; and continued research and development activities. The adjacent HACI production facility will handle production of the HondaJet, including final assembly of all structural components and parts; aircraft system assembly and installation; completion of the interior; and painting. Deliveries of the HondaJet are slated to begin in 2010.
