Private Honda Aircraft Company Jets: Charter Business Aircraft for Premium Flights

Honda Aircraft Company: Innovation and Excellence in Aviation

The History of Creation and Development

Honda Aircraft Company was founded in 2006 as a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., although research and development began much earlier. The company's history is closely linked to the dream of Honda founder Soichiro Honda to create an aircraft that would change the perception of personal aviation.

Honda began its first research in the field of aviation in the 1980s. The light jet development project was officially launched in 1997. In 2003, the HondaJet prototype took to the air for the first time, demonstrating a unique configuration with engines mounted on pylons above the wing.

In 2006, Honda officially established Honda Aircraft Company in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA. In 2011, a world-class production complex with an area of more than 68,000 square meters was opened there, where the full cycle of aircraft production is now carried out.

Revolutionary HondaJet

Innovative Design and Technology

HondaJet — the company's flagship product — is the result of more than 30 years of research and development. The aircraft differs from its competitors by a number of revolutionary solutions:

OTWEM Configuration

Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) is a patented configuration with engines mounted on pylons above the wing. This solution has several advantages:

• Increased passenger cabin volume
• Reduced cabin noise
• Improved aerodynamic performance
• Increased fuel efficiency

Composite Fuselage

HondaJet was developed using advanced materials. The fuselage is made of a lightweight and durable composite material developed by Honda, which reduces weight and increases fuel efficiency.

Garmin G3000 Avionics

The aircraft is equipped with advanced Garmin G3000 avionics with three 14-inch high-resolution displays and two touch controllers. The system includes synthetic vision, weather radar, TCAS (collision avoidance system) and other modern features.

HondaJet Models

HondaJet Original

The first production model, FAA certified in December 2015. About 100 units of this model were built until 2018.

Technical specifications:

• Maximum cruising speed: 422 knots (782 km/h)
• Flight range: 1,223 nautical miles (2,265 km)
• Maximum flight altitude: 43,000 feet (13,106 m)
• Capacity: up to 6 passengers + 1-2 pilots
• Engines: Two GE Honda HF120 (2,050 lbs of thrust each)
• Price of a new aircraft: about $4.5 million (2015)

HondaJet Elite

An upgraded version, introduced in 2018, with increased flight range, reduced noise levels and improved avionics. More than 150 units have been produced.

Technical specifications:

• Maximum cruising speed: 422 knots (782 km/h)
• Flight range: 1,437 nautical miles (2,661 km)
• Maximum flight altitude: 43,000 feet (13,106 m)
• Capacity: up to 6 passengers + 1-2 pilots
• Price of a new aircraft: about $5.25 million (2018)

HondaJet Elite S

The latest modification, introduced in 2021, offers an increased maximum takeoff weight, which allows you to take more fuel or passengers on board, as well as new technologies, including a wheel braking system.

Technical specifications:

• Maximum cruising speed: 422 knots (782 km/h)
• Flight range: 1,547 nautical miles (2,865 km)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 4,863 kg (increased by 91 kg)
• New paint options and cabin options
• Price of a new aircraft: about $5.4 million (2023)

HondaJet Elite II

The latest modification, introduced in October 2022. Includes improved aerodynamics, increased flight range and the latest automation systems.

Technical specifications:

• Maximum cruising speed: 422 knots (782 km/h)
• Flight range: 1,647 nautical miles (3,050 km)
• Automated stabilization and protection system (ASBP)
• New interior design and 4 preset design styles
• Price of a new aircraft: about $6.95 million (2023)

Comparison with Competitors

In the segment of small jets, the HondaJet competes with models such as the Embraer Phenom 100, Cessna Citation M2 and Pilatus PC-24. HondaJet stands out among them:

• The highest flight altitude in its class — 43,000 feet, which is higher than that of competitors, allows you to fly over bad weather
• The most spacious cabin in its category due to the OTWEM design
• The lowest fuel consumption among very light jets
• The lowest cabin noise level due to the location of the engines
• The highest speed in its class

Production and Supply

Honda Aircraft Company has built a modern production complex in Greensboro, North Carolina, which includes:

• Company headquarters
• Research and design center
• Production facilities
• Service center
• Training center for pilots and technical personnel

By 2023, the company has delivered more than 230 HondaJet aircraft of various modifications to customers from North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. HondaJet is operated by both private owners and as part of air taxi fleets and corporate carriers.

Technical Support and Maintenance

Honda Aircraft Company has created a global support network for HondaJet owners:

Service Network

The company has a network of 12 authorized service centers around the world, including locations in the USA, Europe and Asia. These centers provide a full range of aircraft maintenance and repair services.

Service Support Program

HondaJet HCARE (Honda Complete Aircraft and Reliability Experience) is a comprehensive customer support program that includes:

• Scheduled maintenance
• Prompt delivery of spare parts (more than 95% of requests are fulfilled within 24 hours)
• Warranty service
• 24-hour technical support
• Training for pilots and technical personnel

Spare Parts and Modernization

Honda Aircraft guarantees the availability of spare parts for all models produced. The company maintains spare parts warehouses in strategic locations around the world to minimize aircraft downtime.

Modernization programs are available for owners of early models to more modern standards:

• Avionics update
• Installation of new safety systems
• Interior upgrade
• Implementation of technical improvements

Development Plans and Future Projects

Honda Aircraft Company is actively working to expand its presence in the market and develop new technologies:

Expansion of Production Facilities

In 2019, the company opened a new production building with an area of 7,500 square meters, which made it possible to increase production and reduce aircraft delivery times.

New Models and Concepts

The company is exploring the possibility of developing new aircraft models, including:

• HondaJet 2.0 — the next generation HondaJet with improved performance
• Concept of a mid-size business jet to compete in a higher segment of the market
• Research in the field of sustainable aviation technologies, including electric and hybrid power plants

Environmental Initiatives

Honda Aircraft is actively working to reduce the environmental impact of its aircraft:

• Increased fuel efficiency
• Reduction of CO2 emissions
• Development of compatibility with environmentally friendly aviation fuels (SAF)
• Research in the field of alternative power plants

Achievements and Awards

For a relatively short history, Honda Aircraft Company and HondaJet have received many prestigious awards:

• Collier Trophy Aviation Award — one of the most prestigious awards in the aerospace industry
• AIAA Award for Excellence from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Flying Innovation Award from Flying Magazine
• Best of What's New Award from Popular Science Magazine
• Multiple Technology Awards from the NBAA (National Business Aviation Association)

Facts and Statistics

• HondaJet is the first aircraft developed by a major automaker from scratch
• The development of the HondaJet took more than 30 years from concept to mass production
• The chief designer of the HondaJet is Michimasa Fujino, who started the project as a young engineer under the guidance of Soichiro Honda
• HondaJet has set several speed records in its class on various routes
• The company has invested more than $2 billion in the development and production of the HondaJet
• By 2023, the HondaJet fleet had flown more than 200,000 hours
• HondaJet is operated in more than 20 countries around the world

Conclusion

Honda Aircraft Company has demonstrated that even in such a traditional and conservative industry as aircraft construction, breakthrough innovations are possible. The company has successfully transferred the Honda "Power of Dreams" philosophy to the aviation sector, creating a unique product that has changed the perception of light jets.

Thanks to its innovative design with over-the-wing engines, advanced materials and technologies, the HondaJet offers an unparalleled combination of performance, efficiency and comfort. With the expansion of production facilities, a global support network and ambitious development plans, Honda Aircraft Company will continue to have a significant impact on the future of small aircraft.