Jet Paris Secures AOC to Operate All-HondaJet Fleet
Jet Paris has received Air Operator Certificate (AOC) FR.AOC.0155 from the French civil aviation authority, the Direction générale de l’aviation civile (DGAC), marking a major milestone for the French operator. With this certification, Jet Paris is now authorized to operate its fleet of Honda Aircraft HA-420 HondaJets commercially, positioning the company as a unique player in European private aviation with an all-HondaJet lineup.
Certification Process and Operational Goals
The certification journey took Jet Paris two years to complete due to France’s stringent regulatory standards, explained Vitaly Arkhangelsky, founder and CEO of Jet Paris. “The regulatory standards were rigorous, but this certification marks a significant step for us,” Arkhangelsky told ch-aviation. With the AOC secured, Jet Paris plans to consolidate its operations in the coming months, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met to maintain high service standards.
Fleet Composition and Environmental Focus
Jet Paris currently operates a fleet of three HondaJets, each between seven and nine years old. In preparation for certification, the company invested in extensive maintenance for the fleet over the past 15 months, ensuring that these aircraft are ready for optimal operation over the next five years. The HondaJet was chosen for its impressive environmental efficiency, aligning with Jet Paris’s goal to minimize its carbon footprint.
The HondaJet HA-420 is known for its fuel-efficient performance and quiet operation, making it an attractive choice for environmentally-conscious travelers. Jet Paris also performs maintenance across Europe—in countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Poland—to reduce the environmental impact associated with aircraft servicing logistics.
Challenges in Operating a HondaJet Fleet in Europe
Operating an all-HondaJet fleet in Europe presents some challenges, primarily due to the limited availability of HondaJet-trained pilots in the region. Arkhangelsky noted the challenge of sourcing qualified crew for the HondaJet, which, while well-established in the United States, is still relatively rare in European aviation circles. “We don’t have enough pilots yet; we need to hire and train them first,” he explained.
To address this, Jet Paris is collaborating with Honda Aircraft to bolster the brand’s presence in Europe, aiming to raise awareness and attract skilled pilots. This partnership is expected to enhance brand recognition for HondaJet in Europe and expand the pool of qualified pilots for the aircraft type.
Potential for Fleet Expansion
Jet Paris is open to expanding its HondaJet fleet, although Arkhangelsky emphasized that any growth would depend on additional financing or investor support. The demand for efficient and environmentally-friendly private aviation options is rising, and Jet Paris aims to capitalize on this trend, provided it can secure the necessary resources.
Jet Paris’s Strategic Position in European Aviation
With its unique all-HondaJet fleet, Jet Paris is poised to make a significant impact in the European private aviation market. By focusing on environmentally-efficient aircraft and maintaining a streamlined operational approach, the company aims to cater to high-end clients seeking sustainable travel solutions. The newly secured AOC, coupled with potential growth plans, underscores Jet Paris’s commitment to becoming a premier choice for private aviation in Europe, while simultaneously supporting the HondaJet’s market expansion in the region.
As Jet Paris continues to build its operational capabilities and address staffing needs, it is positioned to cater to an eco-conscious clientele, offering a sustainable, efficient, and unique private flight experience across Europe.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com