Honda Aircraft Commits To 2600 Production in Greensboro

Honda Aircraft, which last month green-lighted the HondaJet 2600 as its second model, has confirmed plans to build the new light jet at its Greensboro, North Carolina facilities and to invest $55.7 million to accommodate that production. Sitting on 133 acres in Greensboro, Honda Aircraft’s global headquarters campus spans more than 737,000 sq ft with five buildings.

Announcing the expansion plans this week, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said the addition of the 2600 line will create 280 jobs and increase the company’s total investment in the state to more than $335 million. “This decision shows our state’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce, not only in the key industry of aerospace with a flagship brand like HondaJet, but in the entire advanced manufacturing arena,” he said.

Estimating that the latest Honda Aircraft project would help increase the state’s economy by $2.37 billion, the North Carolina Economic Investment Committee approved a Job Development Investment Grant that authorizes a potential reimbursement to Honda Aircraft of more than $3.4 million over 12 years. In addition, the state set aside $381,600 to help the community finance necessary infrastructure upgrades.

“The state of North Carolina provides a rich talent pool and tremendous support from our local community and having our facilities located right next to the Piedmont Triad International Airport is an ideal location to develop and produce our new light jet,” said Honda Aircraft president and CEO Hideto Yamasaki.

Unveiled as a concept during NBAA-BACE 2021, the 11-place 2600 will share the over-the-wing-engine mount design of the original HA-420 HondaJet and sport two Williams International FJ44-4C turbofans, along with Garmin G3000 avionics. Certification of the HondaJet 2600 is planned for 2028. It is expected to have a 450-knot maximum cruise speed, 47,000-foot ceiling, and 2,625-nm NBAA IFR range with four passengers and one pilot.