The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has honoured Michimasa Fujino, lead HondaJet designer and president and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, with its 2021 Reed Aeronautics Award ‘for the invention of advanced aerodynamic and structural techniques’ at the AIAA Aerospace Spotlight Awards Gala. The Reed Award is the highest honour an individual can receive for a notable achievement in aeronautics that represents a significant milestone in engineering advancement.

The annual AIAA Aerospace Spotlight Awards Gala recognises the most influential and inspiring individuals in aerospace, whose contributions merit the highest accolades. This year, AIAA held the 2021 Spotlight Awards Gala virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The clean-sheet HondaJet aircraft design conceived by Fujino introduced innovations in aviation technology, including the over-the-wing engine mount and natural laminar flow wing and fuselage. The HondaJet is the first, and only, business jet to include these technologies.

“I was very surprised, honoured and very grateful to be recognised with the 2021 Reed Aeronautics Award,” says Fujino. “I've worked on aircraft designs for the past 35 years; it has been challenging, but also very exciting. On behalf of Honda Aircraft Company, I'd like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who supported the HondaJet project.”