HondaJet made its China debut at the ABACE 2017, introducing the new twin-engine HA-420, which is a $4.5 million, six-seat entry-level light jet.

"This is a historical moment for the HondaJet development and the program," Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft president, and CEO said. "We see great market potential in China," he added, for business and personal transportation as well as flight training.

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Fujino is hoping that HondaJet could stimulate China's light jet market. He noted that the aircraft could accommodate domestic flights since most of the Chinese cities are within reach. He also said that the aircraft is more convenient for a country with limited airport facility since it could land on less than 3,050 feet of runway and take off with just 4,000 feet.

HondaJet is exhibiting its products at the ABACE in response to the interest from potential Chinese clients or investors.  Although no Asia Pacific sales have been lodged yet, Fujino believes that it will change soon. "There has been some strong interest from Asia and that's why we're coming to ABACE, because we want to verify this interest," he told AIN.

Meanwhile, deliveries of the new light jet, which was developed by the US-based Honda Aircraft subsidiary of Japan's Honda Motor at Greensboro, North Carolina, started after it received an initial US FAA certification in December 2015. It was later granted approval in May 2016 by Europe's EASA.

HondaJet has so far delivered 37 light jets as of the end of March. And the company is expected to deliver about 60 more in the next fiscal year.

"Next year we can ramp up more," Fujino said. "The entry into service went as well as we expected, and we have a very responsive support network in North America and Europe." After the ABACE, HondaJet will embark on an Asian tour, visiting Hong Kong on April 19 and Taipei on April 21.

In its class, the HondaJet is the fastest with a maximum cruise speed of 422 knots (781 km/h), flies the highest with a max altitude of 43,000 feet, and the most fuel-efficient saving up to 17 percent. It has an NBAA IFR range of 1,223 nautical miles.