BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. – Michimasa Fujino, founding president and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, received the “Aviation Industry Leader of the Year Award” at “Living Legends of Aviation,” January 16, 2015 at the Beverly Hilton. Fujino was recognized for his development, production, marketing and sales of the innovative HondaJet. The aircraft’s Over-The-Wing Engine Mount configuration breakthrough has proven to dramatically enhance aircraft performance, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort and holds several patents for aircraft design. Fujino joined Honda R&D Co. Ltd. in Japan in 1984 after graduating from Tokyo University with a degree in aeronautical engineering.
Three new aviators were also inducted into the “Living Legends of Aviation,” including Bruce Whitman, CEO of FlightSafety; Major General Carl McNair, retired, the first Chief of the Army Aviation Branch; and Herbert D. Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines.
John Travolta, the “Official Ambassador of Aviation,” hosted the annual event, which is organized by Kiddie Hawk Air Academy.