Society

Honda becomes No.1 in small jet shipment

Feb 23 (NHK) - Japanese automaker Honda has announced that its HondaJet won the most delivered jet title in its category last year.

The small business jet has been developed, manufactured and sold by Honda to the US and other markets since 2015.

The company says it delivered 43 units in 2017, about double the figure for the previous year, putting it in top place in the small business-jet segment.

The aircraft's engines are mounted above each wing to maximize cabin space. It is faster than most rivals and sales are growing in the US and European markets.

This month, a record 16 units were ordered from a French company. Honda's strong run is in stark contrast to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which is struggling with delays in the development of its MRJ passenger jet.

Demand for small business jets is rising among corporate executives. Honda says it will boost efforts to sell its aircraft in the growth markets of China and Southeast Asia.

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