Building the Future of Flight, Together

The aviation industry is entering a defining phase of transformation. New technologies, evolving regulations, and shifting customer expectations are changing how we design, operate, and experience flight. At Honda Aircraft company, we view this transformation as a meaningful opportunity to create smarter and more responsible systems through collaboration and shared value.

Innovation has never been a solo pursuit. It requires aligned goals, trust, and partners who share a commitment to quality and long-term value. This philosophy shapes how we work and how we collaborate with organizations such as Cyient, whose engineering expertise and agility continue to strengthen our programs.

The Future of Sustainable Flight

At Honda Aircraft Company, our purpose has always been to move people forward by expanding the possibilities of flight. Our HondaJet has led the very light jet segment in performance and efficiency for the last 10 years, and we are building on this legacy with the HondaJet Echelon.

The HondaJet Elite II, currently in production, flies higher, faster, and further than other comparable aircraft, and its unique characteristics have allowed it to achieve a high level of fuel efficiency.  The HondaJet Elite II is the most fuel-efficient jet in its segment, and just this past October, it became the first twin-turbine very light jet to complete a test flight utilizing a 100% blend of sustainable aviation fuels.

We are carrying this legacy forward in the HondaJet Echelon which, though a light jet, is planned to offer customers flight ranges comparable to those of a midsize jet.  We aim to develop the HondaJet Echelon such that it is capable of flight across America from coast to coast, which would make it the first transcontinental light jet, all the while offering up to 40% more fuel efficiency than a midsize jet.

The first flight test aircraft for the HondaJet Echelon program is coming together at our world headquarters right now.  Our commitment to innovation is serious and sincere.  Our strong partnerships make it achievable.

Partnerships That Create Value

Throughout my career, I have seen that progress in aerospace happens when the right partnerships come together. I take pride in working alongside people and organizations who share that belief. The collaboration between Honda Aircraft Company and Cyient is built on the same foundation… shared ambition, trust, and respect.

Over the past months, there has been strong momentum between our teams. Cyient’s depth in engineering and its forward-thinking approach to digital transformation complement our technical goals and operational vision. Together, we are building solutions that enhance aircraft reliability, improve efficiency, and accelerate innovation across the value chain, from design and certification to data-driven engineering and product lifecycle management.

In the months ahead, our leadership teams will meet to identify new opportunities to work together. We will define how our organizations can achieve greater results through shared focus and disciplined execution. These discussions are not formalities; they are essential steps in building the foundation for lasting success.

Building Systems That Outlast People

Success, in my view, is measured by what continues to grow long after individual roles evolve. Whether during my time at Bombardier or now at Honda Aircraft Company, I have always believed that sustainable progress comes from structures that outlast people… frameworks built on trust, discipline, and accountability.

That same philosophy extends to every partnership we build. Our collaboration with Cyient is a strong example of how two organizations can move beyond transactional work to create something enduring. With Cyient’s strength in systems engineering, digital integration, and domain understanding, we are building a partnership that continues to deliver measurable value over time. When both sides invest with shared commitment and accountability, the outcomes are lasting and meaningful.

The Next Phase of Progress

We are in a historic moment for the aviation industry. Advances in aerodynamics and propulsion, sustainable fuels, and digital systems are changing how we design and operate aircraft. Meeting these challenges requires technical excellence and the right partnerships to bring innovation to scale.

Our teams are deeply engaged in developing solutions that balance innovation with reliability. We are proud of the progress being made in electric propulsion and equally focused on the collaborative ecosystem that makes such progress possible.

Our partnership with Cyient represents how we see the future: built on cooperation, guided by expertise, and focused on measurable outcomes. It is an example of what happens when organizations align their strengths to move an industry forward.

The next era of flight will be shaped by the partnerships that combine innovation with responsibility. Our commitment is clear, and it is encouraging to work with partners who share that vision. Together, we are building the systems, technologies, and relationships that will define the future of flight for years to come.

About the Author

Amod Kelkar Chief Commercial Officer, and Senior Vice President, Honda Aircraft Company

Amod currently works as the Chief Commercial Officer, and Senior Vice President of the Honda Aircraft Company (HACI). He is also the Large Program Leader for Honda Jet Echelon light jet program and is accountable leader for the program cost, schedule, product performance, and the aircraft life cycle.
 
As the key leader at HACI, his primary responsibilities include commercial strategies, technology evolution, operational efficiencies, and the P&L performance of the company. He leads the following HACI divisions: Aircraft Sales, Events, and Asset Management, Marketing, Customer Service, Customer Support, Engineering and R&D, Flight Test and Flight Operations, Safety and Certification, and New Business Aircraft Program (Honda Jet Echelon)
 
He has spent the last 24 years of his career in Commercial and Business aircraft OEM space, gaining valuable experience as a results oriented, collaborative people leader, where he demonstrated strong growth history in large scale P&L ownership (greater than $500M direct annual responsibility), Topline sales growth for aircraft and aftermarket services and products, Global Footprint development and Strategic B2B Relationships. Amod brings a wealth of experience serving commercial airlines and private jet customers across the globe, with onsite first- hand business dealings in more than 45 countries. Prior to joining HACI, USA in February 2021, Amod worked in the roles of growing responsibilities with Bombardier Inc. in Canada, Japan, and Singapore (2000-2019), as well as De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (2019-2021). He currently lives in North Carolina, USA.