Flying into the Future: HondaJet

Gary P. Pisano; Jesse  Shulman

Case | HBS Case Collection | January 2018

Flying into the Future: HondaJet

by Gary P. Pisano and Jesse Shulman

Abstract

This cases examine Honda’s diversification into the light jet market. In 1985, Honda initiated a secret program to develop a small jet. Over the years, the program had many ups and downs (it was almost canceled several times). Then, a breakthrough in the configuration of the engines lead Honda to believe it could successfully introduce a very light jet to the market (the “Civic” of the private jet market). In 2015, the company’s HondaJet received FAA certification. The HondaJet is now the number one selling jet in the very light jet segment of the market, and the CEO of Honda Aircraft Corporation, Michimasa Fujino (who started with the program in 1985) must now decide on ways to grow the business.

Keywords: Diversification; Technological Innovation; Growth and Development Strategy; Innovation and Management; Air Transportation Industry;

Language: English

Format: Print

17 pages

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Citation:

Pisano, Gary P., and Jesse Shulman. "Flying into the Future: HondaJet." Harvard Business School Case 618-012, January 2018.

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Flying into the Future: HondaJet

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