Honda Aircraft obtained Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) approval for its HondaJet Elite. JCAB validation comes six months after Honda Aircraft opened the order book for the model through its dealer in the region, HondaJet Japan. Since that time, Honda Aircraft has received orders for more than 10 of the model. Deliveries on those orders are expected to begin before the end of the year.

The validation marks a significant step forward in the HondaJet program that had previously generated substantial interest in Japan but until this year had not been offered for sale in the country, the home of Honda Aircraft parent Honda Motor Company.

“Creating mobility products that enable people to enjoy the freedom of mobility in the sky has been Honda’s dream since its founding,” said Takahiro Hachigo, president and representative director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “Today, we are delighted that our HondaJet received type certification in Japan, the home country of Honda. This is one example of embodying our passion to serve people worldwide with the ‘joy of expanding their life’s potential.’”

Honda Aircraft president and CEO Michimasa Fujino added, “Through our sales of the HondaJet Elite, we will strive to create a society where business jets are more easily accessible to everyone in Japan.”

Honda Aircraft unveiled the Elite, the follow-on to the original HondaJet, last May at EBACE, and began delivery of the model in August. The Elite, which additionally has received U.S. FAA and EASA nods, expands the performance envelope while adding interior improvements and updates to the Garmin G3000-based flight deck.