About Honda Aircraft Company
Honda Aircraft Company, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. — the world's largest engine manufacturer. The HondaJet program began as Dr. Michimasa Fujino's research project in 1997 and resulted in the most innovative light jet design in business aviation history.
The HondaJet's signature Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration — where engines are mounted above the wing on pylons rather than on the rear fuselage — was a 20-year engineering breakthrough that delivers multiple aerodynamic advantages simultaneously: reduced drag, reduced cabin noise, increased cabin space (no fuselage engine mount intrusions), and greater fuel efficiency.
Since entering service in 2015, the HondaJet has been the most-delivered light jet in its class for seven consecutive years, with over 250 aircraft in service across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
HondaJet Elite S
HondaJet Elite S
Passengers: 6
Range: 2,661 km
Max Speed: 782 km/h
Max Altitude: 43,000 ft
Takeoff Distance: 1,219 m
Engines: 2x GE Honda HF120
Cabin Length: 3.70 m
Cabin Width: 1.52 m
Cabin Height: 1.47 m
Baggage: 1.87 m3
Charter: from €3,200/h
Purchase: from $5.4M
The Elite S variant features extended range (+370 km over original), increased maximum takeoff weight, advanced avionics upgrades, noise-attenuating engine inlets, and enhanced ground spoilers. Single-pilot certified.
What Makes HondaJet Unique
Over-The-Wing Engines
Patented OTWEM configuration reduces aerodynamic drag, frees up cabin and baggage space, and provides a quieter, smoother ride. No other business jet uses this design.
Largest Cabin in Class
Without fuselage-mounted engines taking up space, the HondaJet offers the largest cabin and baggage volume of any very light jet. Full club-four seating plus belted lavatory seat.
Fastest & Most Efficient
Top speed of 782 km/h — fastest in the very light jet category. GE Honda HF120 engines deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency and lowest direct operating costs.
Natural Laminar Flow Wing
Honda-designed natural laminar flow (NLF) wing reduces drag by maintaining smooth airflow over a larger portion of the wing surface. Another aerodynamic innovation exclusive to HondaJet.
Composite Fuselage
Advanced composite construction reduces weight while increasing strength. The composite fuselage contributes to fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
Lowest Operating Costs
Direct operating costs 15-20% lower than comparable light jets. Combined with low fuel burn and single-pilot certification, HondaJet is the most economical business jet to operate.
Performance Comparison
| Specification | HondaJet Elite S | Phenom 100EV | Citation M2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed (km/h) | 782 | 749 | 748 |
| Range (km) | 2,661 | 2,182 | 2,778 |
| Max Altitude (ft) | 43,000 | 41,000 | 41,000 |
| Cabin Volume (m3) | 4.05 | 3.94 | 3.60 |
| Baggage (m3) | 1.87 | 1.33 | 1.39 |
| Fuel Burn (kg/h) | 354 | 381 | 371 |
| Purchase Price | $5.4M | $4.5M | $4.7M |
Ideal Routes
- London — Paris: 1h 10min
- Geneva — Nice: 45 min
- Milan — Barcelona: 1h 40min
- Munich — London: 1h 50min
- Zurich — Rome: 1h 25min
- Frankfurt — Vienna: 1h 15min
The HondaJet excels on short to medium European routes, particularly for 2-4 passengers seeking the fastest and most cost-effective private jet option.
HondaJet Charter & Sales
Plane Selection by Plane Selection offers HondaJet charter for short-haul European travel and acquisition advisory for buyers. The HondaJet is an excellent owner-flown aircraft with the lowest operating costs in the jet category, making it ideal for business travelers who fly 200-400 hours per year and value efficiency alongside performance.
