Gama Aviation hosted the inaugural visit of the new HA-420 HondaJet at Jersey Airport on 12 May on behalf of Aviation Beauport Ltd, which it acquired earlier this year.
The HondaJet seats up to six passengers and is the fastest, highest-flying, quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in its category, according to the manufacturers. The HA-420 HondaJet incorporates many technological innovations in aviation design, including having its engines above the wing, which improves performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. This design also reduces cabin sound, minimizes ground-detected noise, and allows for the roomiest cabin in its class, the largest baggage capacity and a fully serviceable private lavatory.
Marwan Khalek, CEO of Gama Aviation, commented, “We were delighted to complete our acquisition of Aviation Beauport earlier this year and are thrilled that during our first client event we can welcome the HA-420 HondaJet to Jersey, on its maiden visit.
“Jersey is an attractive business aviation market with a number of high net worth local residents and offshore and aircraft owning businesses, leading to 3,368 business aircraft departures from Jersey in 2015, an 8.3% increase on 2014. With new types such as the HondaJet, the advent of single engine commercial operations and new membership models such as Wheels Up, we see exciting times ahead for our FBO as demand continues to rise.
“Furthermore, the launch last November of the Jersey Aircraft Registry – a new proposition for the registration of high-value private and corporate aircraft on the island – will provide an additional boost.”
Simon Roads, director of sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Honda Aircraft Company, said, “We are excited to showcase the HondaJet in Jersey, and bring the first European delivered aircraft into the Channel Islands. Bringing the aircraft into Gama Aviation’s new facility has meant that we are able to demonstrate the HondaJet’s outstanding performance and overall fit and finish, in an excellent location.”
