Michimasa Fujino’s peers could be excused for wondering what planet he lives on. While the chief executives of most business jet makers have watched the economic world crash around their ears, Fujino has been busy doubling his workforce to 420 over the past year. Many of those hired by his HondaJet operation have been cut loose by established rivals.
Fujino, who is also Honda Aircraft’s chief engineer, says the company is “now reaching near maximum, but we are still hiring experts”, with the headcount expected to grow by another 10% to 20% as it prepares to fly its first conforming prototype in the first quarter of next year. Fujino acknowledges recruitment became easier as other manufacturers slashed their workforces in response to the current downturn. But he says there are always engineers who are attracted to Honda and are “looking for a more engineering-driven rather than sales-driven company”.
A second aircraft will join the flight-test programme later next year followed by a third in 2011, when the HondaJet is scheduled to be certificated and enter service late in the year. Honda plans to deliver two or three aircraft in 2011, followed by 70 aircraft in 2012 and 100 aircraft a year from 2013.
PRODUCTION
Fujino says the workforce will grow to 650-700 for the start of production. The manufacturer has the capacity to add a secon
via Boom time on planet Honda.
Tags: HondaJet