Honda Aircraft is expanding its sales reach for the HondaJet, appointing SYI Aviation in Panama City, Panama, as a dealer. SYI Aviation will give Honda Aircraft a presence in the Middle Americas, providing sales, service and support for the aircraft in Central America, the Caribbean and portions of South America to include Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

“Our well received expansion in Brazil last year further solidified Middle America and South America as potential growth markets,” said Honda Aircraft president and CEO Michimasa Fujino, adding that SYI’s “experience in the region and track record of partnering successfully with large global companies is a good foundation for a strong relationship.”

SYI, which provides a range of services, infrastructure and products in eight countries, was founded in Caracas, Venezuela, and established operations in Panama in 1928.

Honda Aircraft secured certification in December last year for the light jet, known for its over-the-wing engine mounting. The production certificate followed in July. By mid-year, Honda had handed over the first dozen aircraft.

The company is slowly building a dealer network as it begins to ramp up production and now has 12 territories in North America, South America and Europe.

As it builds its sales network, the aircraft is beginning to establish speed records. The U.S. National Aeronautic Association officially recognized the first two records this week at NBAA 2016.

The first record was set on April 9. The aircraft departed Teterboro Airport in New Jersey at 2:15 p.m. and landed at For Lauderdale Executive Airport in Florida at 5:06 p.m., a two-hour 51-minute flight into headwinds averaging 60 knots. The aircraft cruised at 43,000 feet and reached a maximum groundspeed of 414 knots.

The Boston to Palm Beach record was set on July 19, taking off from New Bedford Regional Airport at 7:18 a.m. and arriving at Palm Beach International Airport at 10:16 a.m. With headwinds of 30 knots, the flight took two hours and 58 minutes and reached a maximum groundspeed of 422 knots.

The HondaJet’s maximum cruise speed is 422 knots and it can fly at up to 43,000 feet.