HondaJet sertifisert - Curt Lewis

Honda Aircraft receives type certification for HondaJet

• Federal Aviation Administration approval allows for deliveries of the jet to begin

• It also creates new competition in the business jet market for Textron Aviation and Learjet

• HondaJet is likely the first of more business jets to come

Customers examine Honda Aircraft Co.'s HondaJet, on display at Henderson Executive Airport as part of the National Business Aviation Association Convention in November in Las Vegas.

Honda Aircraft has been awarded final type certification for the HondaJet, allowing deliveries of the light business jet to begin.

The certification also means that the full effect of Honda Aircraft's first aircraft offering will begin to be felt in the business jet market and by competing aircraft makers, including Wichita's Textron Aviation and Bombardier Learjet.

While the single-pilot HondaJet - with seating for up to six passengers and a $4.5 million price tag - comes in at the low end of the business jet market, one expert thinks the jet is only the company's first offering.

"I think you have to look at the Honda investment as a long-term investment," aviation forecaster Rolland Vincent said Wednesday. "They've made a bet on business aviation ... This is the beginning. This is not the end."