Honda Aircraft Company associates celebrate 20 years of aviation innovation

Honda Aircraft Company associates celebrated 20 years since the company's founding, marking two decades of excellence, continued innovation, and commitment to the Piedmont Triad community with a commemorative banner signing. Honda Aircraft Company was formally established in 2006 as a global manufacturing, development, and sales headquarters after the successful first flight of the HondaJet. Today, with more than 275 aircraft delivered worldwide, the company produces the HondaJet Elite II, the fastest, farthest, and highest-flying aircraft in its class, at its global headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina. Development continues on the HondaJet Echelon, a new and larger aircraft designed to become the world's first single-pilot certified and U.S. transcontinental ranged light jet, expanding mobility options for customers around the globe.

Hideto Yamasaki, President and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company stated: "As we celebrate our legacy of aircraft manufacturing in North Carolina and our incredible pride in serving our HondaJet customers, we look forward with confidence to the next chapter of Honda skyward mobility. As we continue on our journey it is our Honda associates and the Piedmont Triad community partners who will continue to be the key to our success in shaping the future of flight. Twenty years after its founding, Honda Aircraft Company continues to build on a legacy of innovation while pursuing new possibilities. As the company commemorates this milestone, the dream that began in North Carolina continues to take flight."

Honda Aircraft Company employs nearly 1,000 associates on the 133-acre campus at Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO). Since its founding in Greensboro, the company has worked closely with local schools, universities, workforce development organizations, and community partners to help cultivate the next generation of aviation and manufacturing talent. This commitment is reflected through educational outreach initiatives and STEM-focused programs that inspire future innovators.

"North Carolina, as we all know, is the birthplace of flight," North Carolina Sen. Michael Garrett said on the floor of the North Carolina Senate while recognizing the company's anniversary. "In Guilford County, that legacy isn't just history; it's a living industry building the future of aviation right now. On its 20th anniversary, we honor Honda Aircraft Company for its innovation, its investment, and its people."

Following are key milestones in the 20-year history of Honda Aircraft Company:

2005 – Honda announces it will enter very light jet market after taking first public flight to EAA AirVenture 2005 in Oshkosh, Wisc.
2006 – Honda announces start of sales of HondaJet at NBAA, marking a defining step toward the Honda vision for business aviation. 
2007 – Honda Aircraft Company breaks ground for new headquarters in Greensboro, NC, including manufacturing and R&D facilities.
2009 – The R&D and Headquarters buildings are completed, creating a new home for Honda Aircraft Company operations in Greensboro.
2010 – The HondaJet completes its first FAA-conforming flight, advancing the aircraft into the critical certification and testing phase.
2011 – The third FAA-conforming HondaJet achieves its first flight and Honda Aircraft announces progress on the remaining test fleet.
2012 – Honda Aircraft Company begins production of the HondaJet in North Carolina, moving closer to customer deliveries and long-term manufacturing operations.
2013 – The fifth FAA-conforming HondaJet achieved its first flight, further strengthening the certification test fleet.
2014 – The first production HondaJet takes to the skies, signaling a major transition from development toward customer-ready aircraft.

2015 – HondaJet earns FAA type certification and celebrates the first customer delivery, closing one chapter and beginning another.
2016 – HondaJet sets two speed records, reinforcing the aircraft's performance and innovation leadership in the light-jet category.
2017 – HondaJet rankes first in deliveries for its category, reflecting strong market momentum and customer demand.

2018 – The first HondaJet APMG upgrade represents continuous improvement and customer support for the growing HondaJet fleet.
2019 – HondaJet achieves a third consecutive year as the most delivered aircraft in its category.
2020 –  The expansion of the Production Support Facility is completed to strengthen capabilities on the Honda Aircraft Company campus.
2021 – HondaJet Elite S is announced, continuing the evolution of the HondaJet product line.
2022 – HondaJet Elite II is introduced, bringing the next advancement in performance, comfort and technology.
2023 – Honda Aircraft Company reveals plans for a new aircraft to be called HondaJet Echelon, marking the next chapter in the company's evolution.
2024 – HondaJet reaches its 250th delivery milestone and earns recognition as the "Coolest Thing Made in NC".
2025 – HondaJet Echelon program passes key milestones on the path toward first flight.
2026 –  HondaJet becomes the first production model twin-turbine very light business jet certified to equip Emergency Autoland (EAL). 
The HondaJet APMG S performance upgrade package is introduced providing owners the opportunity to upgrade their aircraft with innovations introduced on the HondaJet Elite S and other recent iterations of the platform.