Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

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Matt Thurber

The Honda Aircraft APMG S upgrade program is now available to owners of HondaJets registered in the European Union, following validation of the program by EASA. Authorized Honda and Honda Aircraft’s Greensboro, North Carolina service centers can install the update.
Honda Aircraft has consistently offered upgrades that were designed for new HondaJet models to owners of older variants of the light jet. “We are trying to have more points of satisfaction to our customers,” said Honda Aircraft president and CEO Hideto Yamasaki.&nbsp;
Not all buyers interested in a HondaJet can afford a new one, he explained, but they may find a preowned and upgraded HondaJet an attractive option at roughly half the price of the latest HondaJet Elite S. “That is perfectly suitable with the current APMG S version,” he said. “Most of the [new] technologies are there, so we are trying to get those to the customer.”
At the same time that a classic HondaJet might be in the service center for the APMG upgrade, other work such as interior refurbishment can take place. “[This gives] the customer the feeling that he has bought a new jet with that kind of pricing point,” Yamasaki said.
The APMG S upgrade includes Honda Aircraft’s Advanced Steering Augmentation System, which improves ground handling in crosswinds, a 300-pound mtow increase, and graphical weight and balance functionality on the twinjet’s Garmin G3000 avionics.
“At Honda Aircraft, we are deeply committed to continuously enhancing value by bringing meaningful innovation to customers throughout their ownership journey,” said senior v-p and chief commercial officer Amod Kelkar. “We are pleased to make these enhancements available to more customers across Europe and to continue supporting the success of the global HondaJet community.”
Meanwhile, progress continues on Honda Aircraft’s next airplane, the Echelon, which promises midsize jet comfort and performance but in a light jet. Competitors are pursuing this new market niche, such as SyberJet with the SJ36 and Otto Aerospace’s Phantom 3500.&nbsp;
“I think that is proof that the market is there,” Yamasaki said. “There is a demand for that [type of] aircraft. What we are focusing on is making sure that we deliver on the numbers we provided before, and we are keeping track…so I think it's given us the confidence that we’ll be able to offer what we promised to the market.”
The first Echelon wing has been completed, and assembly of the first airplane is expected next year, with first flight in 2028 and service entry in 2031. Projected four-passenger range is 2,625 nm, with 450-knot cruise speed, maximum altitude of FL470, and seating for up to 11 occupants. Engines are Williams International FJ44-4C turbofans, and avionics will be a Garmin suite.
Potential customers have signed more than 530 letters of intent for the Echelon.&nbsp;

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

EASA Validates Honda Aircraft APMG S HondaJet Upgrade Program

Service centers can now install the new features in HondaJets registered in Europe

Honda Aircraft has consistently offered upgrades that were designed for new models of the HondaJet to owners of older versions. 

EASA Validates Honda APMG S Upgrade Program

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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