Honda is building the world's first light jet that can fly from NYC to LA without stopping meet the HondaJet Echelon
Taylor Rains
- Honda runs a private jet division that builds a fleet of multi-million dollar business planes.
- Honda Aircraft Company recently unveiled the name of its latest plane, the HondaJet Echelon.
Honda isn't just a carmaker.
Honda Motors established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Honda Aircraft Company, in August 2006 to produce light twin-engine private jets.
Since the first delivery of its original HondaJet in December 2015, the planemaker has also produced the HondaJet Elite, the HondaJet Elite S, and the HondaJet Elite II.
The popular plane has even lured in some A-list celebrities like Tom Cruise, who is a long-time pilot and bought the plane in 2019, the aviation non-profit advocacy organization AOPA reported.
Now, the company's latest business jet concept is expected to set industry records as the only light jet capable of transcontinental travel.
Meet the HondaJet Echelon.
The HondaJet Echelon was originally announced as the HondaJet 2600 at an annual business aircraft convention in October 2021.
The annual NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Las Vegas is the stage for companies in the business aviation sector to show off their new stuff.
At this year's NBACE conference, Honda gave the future light plane its Echelon name.
The company markets the aircraft as "a mid-sized jet experience in the light jet category."
The plane is built larger than its predecessors and on "typical missions" the Echelon is designed to be 20% more fuel efficient than traditional light jets and over 40% more fuel efficient compared to mid-sized planes, according to Honda.
Commercialization of the jet was announced in June 2023, with certification planned for 2028.
Honda said the Echelon will be offered alongside its Elite II light plane. According to Aviation Week, the original HondaJet 2600 had an expected list price of $10 to $12 million in 2021. Honda could not confirm to Insider the list price for the new model.
The Elite II costs $7 million.
What makes the Echelon special is its long-range design, which is expected to connect the US east and west coasts nonstop.
Honda said its new Echelon aircraft is designed to be the world's first light jet capable of flying transcontinental routes.
Currently, its in-service HondaJets can only fly a few hours before refueling.
Powered by two over-the-wing engines, the aircraft can fly over 500 mph across some 3,000 miles.
The HondaJet's two Williams International FJ44-4C engines are mounted for a few reasons. One, the placement optimizes the space in the aft luggage compartment.
Honda also said the design allows the plane to fly faster because it improves the jet's aerodynamic efficiency.
This means the jet can connect cities like Miami and Seattle and Los Angeles and Teterboro, New Jersey.
The plane can also trek into Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America from the US.
And the hours long journeys should be comfortable thanks to the various cabin design options.
HondaJet boasts a low cabin altitude of 6,363 feet on its new Echelon.
HondaJet offers three cabin layout options: Executive, Dual Club, and Divan.
The Echelon can seat up to 11 people.
The customized cabins can include a couch, bathroom, and even chairs that convert into single beds.
The beds will be particularly useful for the long-haul flights.
Not only will the Echelon offer style and luxury, but it also comes with significant safety enhancements.
According to Honda, the aircraft has an advanced, high-tech cockpit with an intuitive interface designed to reduce pilot workload and mitigate risk.
Onboard systems include runway overrun alerts, emergency autoland, and auto brake.
"Several systems onboard have incorporated increased electrical architecture, allowing for more precise control and enhanced aircraft integration," Honda wrote on its website.
"These design enhancements also simplify the systems, leading to lighter weight, increased reliability, and easier maintainability over the life of the aircraft," it continued on its website.
The HondaJet team said the aircraft should make its first Echelon flight in 2026.
The company plans to start building the jet in 2024 at its Greensboro, North Carolina headquarters before the first flight in 2026 and market entry in 2028.
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