Honda is building the world's first light jet that can fly from NYC to LA without stopping — meet the HondaJet Echelon

Taylor RainsJan 14, 2024, 05:44 IST

The HondaJet Echelon with its new name written on the livery.Honda Aircraft Company

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.

Rendering of the HondaJet 2600 when it was announced in 2021.Honda Aircraft Company

The company markets the aircraft as "a mid-sized jet experience in the light jet category."

The HondaJet Echelon with its new name written on the livery.Honda Aircraft Company

Commercialization of the jet was announced in June 2023, with certification planned for 2028.

The interior of the HondaJet Echelon is more spacious than the average light jet.Honda Aircraft Company

What makes the Echelon special is its long-range design, which is expected to connect the US east and west coasts nonstop.

There are a few different interior options to choose from when buying the jet.Honda Aircraft Company

Powered by two over-the-wing engines, the aircraft can fly over 500 mph across some 3,000 miles.

Picture of the mounted engine next to a photo of the storage compartment on the Echelon.Honda Aircraft Company

This means the jet can connect cities like Miami and Seattle and Los Angeles and Teterboro, New Jersey.

HondaJet Echelon route map for five people at 200 pounds each.Honda

And the hours long journeys should be comfortable thanks to the various cabin design options.

HondaJet Echelon lavatory.Honda Aircraft Company

HondaJet offers three cabin layout options: Executive, Dual Club, and Divan.

Screenshot of Echelon's Divan blueprint with a couch, six seats, and a lavatory.Honda Aircraft Company

The customized cabins can include a couch, bathroom, and even chairs that convert into single beds.

HondaJet Echelon single bed.Honda Aircraft Company

Not only will the Echelon offer style and luxury, but it also comes with significant safety enhancements.

HondaJet Echelon's cockpit is state-of-the-art.Honda Aircraft Company

Onboard systems include runway overrun alerts, emergency autoland, and auto brake.

HondaJet Echelon is packed with tech.Honda Aircraft Company

The HondaJet team said the aircraft should make its first Echelon flight in 2026.

HondaJet Echelon's seating interior option.Honda Aircraft Company

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Honda is building the world's first light jet that can fly from NYC to LA without stopping &mdash; meet the HondaJet Echelon