The HondaJet Elite fleet has expanded to China, with the first in-country delivery to Honsan General Aviation, Honda Aircraft’s dealer in China. This follows Chinese CAAC validation of the very-light jet in August.

Japanese leasing company Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance financed the aircraft, which was handed over to Honsan at Honda Aircraft’s Greensboro, North Carolina headquarters. Honsan will provide sales and service support for HondaJet customers at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

“Delivering the first HondaJet to China is a significant milestone for Honda Aircraft,” said Honda Aircraft president and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “We will continue to showcase the many benefits of very-light jet travel with the HondaJet Elite.” Fujino added Honda Aircraft strives not only to highlight the benefits of the HondaJet but also to “add value to the general aviation industry in China and eventually revolutionize it.”

“We are eager to develop the very-light jet market in China with the HondaJet and its performance,” said Honsan General Aviation CEO Cheng Qian.

Honda Aircraft has methodically opened HondaJet sales to markets over several years as it felt ready to provide the necessary support. Its sales and support network now includes North America, Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East, India, and Japan, and the HondaJet fleet numbers 140 aircraft.