Honda starts making small jets in US, aims for 'Civic of the Sky'

TOKYO (REUTERS) - Honda Motor has begun making its unconventionally designed small passenger jet in the United States, aiming to create a "Civic of the Sky" that could make it a major competitor among the world's aircraft manufacturers.

Honda said on Wednesday that its US-based passenger aircraft unit was building the tiny five-passenger jet, noted for its two engines mounted over the wings, in Greensboro, North Carolina.

"US federal certification for the jet's engine should come before the end of this year and for the aircraft overall next year," said Ms Fumika Ishioka, a Tokyo-based Honda spokesman.

Some executives are counting on the project, which analysts say is behind schedule, to rekindle the spirit of innovation that many inside and outside Honda believe the company has lost.