Taking a Page from the Automotive Industry, Honda Readies its Used Market

While it's now been able to cement itself into a niche all its own, the HondaJet still represents a company willing to do things its own way - like a very automotive "Certified Pre-Owned" sales program for used HondaJets.

The program was announced at the end of June to the surprise - or even notice - of few, but it once again serves as a little signifier that the manufacturer is unafraid to do what it wants even if it's the only one doing so. The Certified Pre-Owned - or CPO, just like you'd hear around your local Honda dealer's watercooler - program gives would-be buyers a known quantity at a lower pricepoint than a brand new HondaJet, just like an automobile sales program. The program's strengths include "end-to-end services, from ease of entry-into-service to post-sales support, backed by Honda Aircraft Company and its authorized sales network."

Just like the ever-present TV jingles, HondaJets will have to pass a "meticulous 208-point standard inspection" through its service network, guaranteeing a minimum level of quality for buyers out the gate. On top of that, CPO aircraft will be "upgraded to the highest performance level available for each model, based on applicable service bulletins." Buyers will get a FlightSafety Initial Pilot Training session and a 6-month/100-hour credit to be applied to the costs associated with the Airframe Flight Ready Performance Program. 

“As demand for the HondaJet continues to rise, pre-owned aircraft have become an increasingly important entry point into the HondaJet community,” said Amod Kelkar, Chief Commercial Officer of Honda Aircraft Company. “The CPO program extends our commitment to excellence to all aspects of the long-term ownership experience and ensures that all HondaJet owners, both current and future, will have the best ownership experience and peace of mind, regardless of their position in the ownership journey.”

With the recent implosion of Jet It, one of the more high profile HondaJet operators, some may reasonably expect a number of aircraft headed into pre-owned inventory, but ownership on their aircraft will likely preclude their inclusion anytime soon. The operator owned shares in a number of aircraft in its fleet, and previous charter company foldings took years to iron out.

FMI: www.hondajet.com