[Yellow_hatch]

Honda Aircraft Co. Inc. said Thursday it has reached agreements with three North American aviation companies that will be "major component suppliers" for the HondaJet light jets to be produced in Greensboro.


Honda will partner with GKN Aerospace of Tallassee, Ala., Avcorp Industries Inc., in British Columbia, Canada, and Garmin International Inc., of Olathe, Kan.

GKN will provide the fuselage structural subassembly; Garmin will supply an avionics system; and, Avcorp will supply the wing structural subassembly, Honda Aircraft said.
"We are pleased to be entering into collaboration with some of North America's top aviation industry suppliers as we continue to focus on developing an innovative aircraft of the absolute highest quality for our customers," said Michimasa Fujino, president and CEO of Honda Aircraft.
Honda Aircraft said on Feb. 9 it would establish manufacturing operations at Piedmont Triad International Airport after announcing in 2006 it would have the company's headquarters there.
Honda expects to employ about 300 people eventually; the jets are scheduled to be ready for their first deliveries in 2010.