Honda’s First Business Jet Nears Completion

Honda Motor Co.'s airplane unit says the first nine production-versions of its seven-passenger HondaJet are finally being assembled. The company previously said it launched commercial production in October 2012.

Honda Aircraft Co. LLC aims to win U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification and deliver its first jet to a customer during the first quarter of 2015.

The HondaJet's unusual "engine-over-wing" design will help the twin-turbofan plane deliver about 30% better fuel efficiency than any other small business jet on the market, according to Honda. The company claims the 43-foot-long plane is faster, higher-flying, roomier and quieter too.

HondaJet production is based at a plant in Greensboro, N.C. The facility has capacity to make about 70 jets per year.