Two exceptional companies. One outstanding mission.

Two of the world's most respected names in propulsion have come together to design and manufacture engines for the next generation of very light jets. The joint venture, known as GE Honda Aero Engines, combines the strengths of two industry leaders recognized for delivering high performance and reliability. The HF120 engine, the first product from GE Honda Aero Engines, epitomizes the strengths of GE and Honda – advanced manufacturing, significant R&D investments, technology leadership and strong commitment to customers. The engine is designed to deliver unparalleled performance, reliability and value to business aviation.

The GE Honda Aero Engines Story

Headquartered in West Chester, Ohio, GE Honda Aero Engines was created to design, manufacture, sell and support a family of engines in the 1,000- to 3,500-pound thrust class for the business aviation industry.

The two companies engaged in 2004 with the goal of providing durable and economical engines for business aviation. Honda began research and development of its jet engine and aircraft projects in 1986. Over five generations, Honda refined its small engine technology, with demonstrated capability in ground and flight testing. Meanwhile, GE is engaged in groundbreaking development – including engines for regional and business jets – and also boasts the world's most powerful commercial engine and some of the most advanced military aircraft engine technology on the planet. Now, Honda and GE's joint engineering has resulted in the next generation of smaller, lightweight, low cost, and highly efficient business jet engines.

Executive Leadership

Mel Solomon
President,
GE Honda Aero Engines

Prior to joining Honda, Mel Solomon held various technical and commercial leadership positions at Bombardier Aerospace shaping several initiatives on the Q-Series Regional Turboprop Aircraft, the Challenger and CRJ-200 fleet of aircraft, as well as product planning & marketing of the Learjet family of aircraft. In 2006, Mel joined Honda to support key marketing initiatives for GE Honda Aero Engines. Mel soon became the Marketing Manager leading key campaigns with airframe OEMs, managing commercial negotiations, as well as media and government relations. In 2012, in anticipation for entry-into-service of the HF120 on the HondaJet, Mel’s role was expanded to oversee Customer Service in order to setup a new support team, develop the highly successful Engine Maintenance Care (EMC) service program, and develop a global network of Authorized Service Providers (ASPs) for GE Honda. In 2016, Mel took the role of Director, Marketing & Program Management for the HF120 Program.

Mel holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Aerospace Systems from Carleton University, in Ottawa, Canada and an M.B.A. in Strategic Management from McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

Tim Varga
Vice President / Director Marketing & Programs,
GE Honda Aero Engines

Tim joined GE in 1989 as a design engineer in the military engine division. Following several engineering roles, Tim progressed through Marketing and Sales in different divisions, while completing the Global Marketing and Sales leadership program. In 2000, Tim moved the regional engine business completing his Six Sigma Blackbelt certification and having roles in marketing, sales, and business development. Subsequently, he moved to International Programs managing GE’s Revenue Share Partners. He then led engine programs as a Program Manager for CF34-10A, CF3738, and new turboprop applications. Before moving to his current role, Tim was Program Manager for the CF6 Product line, where among his responsibilities were Airbus programs and chairing PCB & SPMT.

Tim received his engineering bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and his MBA from the University of Chicago.

Patrick Zimmerman
Chief Financial Officer,
GE Honda Aero Engines

Patrick began his career with GE in 2016 as an accountant and has since progressed to significant leadership roles within the organization. His tenure as a finance manager at the GE Aviation Component Service Center (ACSC) allowed him to acquire critical operational experience and a deep understanding of the services business. Patrick distinguished himself as a member of GE's first “Operational Finance Leadership Program,” an elite initiative designed to cultivate leadership skills with a strong focus on Lean principles among GE's finance executives. This rigorous program equipped him for the esteemed position of site finance leader at GE's Evendale Assembly and Testing site. Following this, Patrick broadened his responsibilities to oversee GE's Development Manufacturing, Assembly, and Instrumentation Organization. In 2024, he stepped into the role of CFO at GHAE, where he applies his extensive and varied expertise to deliver impactful financial leadership to his team.

Patrick is a proud alumnus of the University of Kentucky, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

Hirohito Mori
Director, Marketing & Programs,
GE Honda Aero Engines

Hirohito Mori joined Honda’s Aircraft Engine R&D Center in 2007. Mori’s initial engineering career included designs for various combustion and structural parts for the HF120 Program.

In 2014, Mori transitioned to Honda’s Think Lab where he led key strategy initiatives and research for future technology across multiple products. In early 2016, Mori returned to Honda’s Aircraft Engine R&D Center of Honda R&D and was assigned as engine systems engineer.

In October 2016, Mori transitioned to Honda Aero, Inc. as Manager of Marketing. In this role his responsibilities include, leading sales campaigns with key airframe OEMs, defining product strategy, and managing trades & shows.

Mike Tarantino
Director, Customer & Product Support,
GE Honda Aero Engines

Mike joined GE Aviation more than thirty years ago in a role that allowed him to work directly with customers. Later, he became an engineering lead for GE’s MRO shop and held positions in engine overhaul sales for the US and Asia. Mike was a pioneer in the development and management of GE’s highly successful Maintenance Cost Per Hour (MCPH) programs. Then, he led the Customer Service organization for all GE MRO facilities worldwide before attaining a Six Sigma Master Black Belt leadership position. In 2011, Mike joined the GE Honda team as Manager of Customer and Product Support.

Justin Robb
Director, Customer Service
GE Honda Aero Engines

Justin started his aviation career with Atlantic Aero, a large independent business jet MRO shop, leading the maintenance of numerous business jet / turboprop models and providing regional AOG support for large Part 135 charter operators.

Justin joined Honda in 2011 to support the setup and validation of Honda’s test cell and the execution of the Initial Maintenance Interval (IMI) engine certification test. In 2013, Justin transitioned to on-site HF120 flight test support in Greensboro, NC and subsequently rose to the Field Technical Manager position for GE Honda. Working closely with the airframe OEM, he traveled the country supporting the Honda Jet certification effort. Post certification, Justin played a key role in the setup and on-boarding of GHAE’s new Authorized Service Providers (ASP) to ensure smooth entry-into-service of the HF120 engine. By providing timely guidance, training, and on-site support, Justin works hand in hand with the global Authorized Service Provider (ASP) network to ensure the best possible support and customer experience.

AKIHIKO GOTO
Chief Engineer,
GE Honda Aero Engines

Akihiko Goto embarked on his aviation career at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., serving as a structural design engineer on aircraft development initiatives, alongside industry giants such as Boeing, Bombardier, and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. Notably, he played a pivotal role as the principal design engineer of the composite wing skin for the Boeing 787-8, marking a significant milestone as the world’s first medium-sized aircraft to incorporate composite materials in its wings.

In 2007, Goto took his expertise to Honda as a cold section design engineer for the HF120 engine. By 2012, he ascended to the role of team leader, directing efforts to create engine assembly, disassembly, and inspection tools, as well as comprehensive engine manuals to streamline mass production of the HF120.

In 2017, Goto made a strategic transfer to the U.S. office, where he excelled as a Sustaining Engineer. His journey continued as he transitioned to a System Engineer role in 2020, ultimately becoming the Engineering Leader for the HF120 in 2023, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and leadership in the field.

UBALDO SCARDICCHIO
Manager of GE Honda Aero Engines Systems Engineering

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GE Honda Aero Engines LLC is a 50/50 joint company owned by The General Electric Company and Honda Aero, Inc. HF120 and EMC are trademarks of GE Honda Aero Engines, LLC. © GE Honda Aero Engines 2025