Honda unveiled the plane at a US airshow last year

The firm hopes to target the market for short-stop light aircraft priced at under $4m (�2.2m).

The Hondajet features a wing-mounted engine design that aims to cut down on fuel as well as maximise space inside, allowing it to seat seven people.

Tokyo-based Honda said it expected to start taking orders for the aircraft in October, when it will set its price.

Honda has signed an alliance with Piper Aircraft to help sell and market the planes.

Designer Michima Fujino said the seven-seat plane would compete with rival offerings on "performance quality comfort and price".

Long journey

Mr Fujino, who was given the job of designing a plane for the automaker back in 1986, conceded that finally getting the jet off the drawing board had not been an easy journey despite senior management's faith in the project.

"Maybe I should not say this - but I don't remember how many times I almost gave up," he said.

The plane will also face stiff competition, as several companies have similar rival planes in the pipeline.

As well as targeting the private jet market, Honda believes the aircraft will allow it to take advantage of proposed "air taxi" services.

Several US firms are believed to be considering the launch of such a service to target business executives and the wealthy.

But it could still be some time before the Hondajet takes off commercially.