April 22, 2020
As it becomes increasingly likely the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will be felt for months to come, Honda Aircraft Company recently announced it will extend a previously announced suspension of production of its HondaJet Elite light jet through May 1.
Honda had initially planned to resume production of the six-seat business aircraft April 15. According to the Triad Business Journal, the additional two-week closure of Honda’s Greensboro, NC aircraft production facility is due to “the anticipated decline in market demand across the business aviation industry because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.”
The company added it will continue to monitor the situation “and make additional adjustments as necessary as the company takes a measured approach that aligns production with market demand.” Thirty-six HondaJets were delivered in 2019, according to figures published by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.