Honda Aircraft Company (HAC), Honda's business aircraft subsidiary, has announced that it will develop a new small business jet that will enter the US market in 2028. The new light business jet is based on the HondaJet 2600 Concept announced in 2021.
The new compact business jet will follow HondaJet Elite II, a very light jet currently being produced and sold by HAC, and will enter the light jet category one class higher. The new aircraft will also be the first light jet in the world to be able to cross the American continent non-stop.
Hideto Yamazaki, President, Honda Aircraft Company, said, Entering the light jet category with the commercialisation of a new compact business jet is a new challenge for Honda in the new domain of 'air mobility.' I would like to make use of it and provide the joy of realising a sustainable society and expanding the possibilities of people's lives.”
The new compact business jet will carry up to 11 crew members and passengers and will feature improved fuel efficiency by more than 20% compared to a normal light jet. The aircraft will be able to be operated by a single pilot and have a spacious cabin suitable for long-distance flights.
In a company release, HACI said it expects to obtain type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, US, around 2028. The new aircraft will further advance Honda's proprietary technologies, such as engine placement on top of the main wing, natural laminar airfoil and nose, and composite fuselage.
Strong customer demand was behind HAC’s decision to proceed with the development of the new light business jet. The company has already contracted key suppliers for the new aircraft’s engines, avionics and fuselages.
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