HondaJet has landed a huge order for its brand new $7 million private jet, which can seat up to 5 people meet the Elite II
Taylor Rains
Honda Aircraft Company
- Private charter company Volato has ordered 25 of HondaJet's new Elite II business aircraft.
- The plane will fly up to 485 miles per hour, becoming the fastest private jet in its class once it enters service.
Private charter company Volato has ordered 25 of HondaJet Aircraft Company's all-new Elite II business aircraft in a deal valued at $174 million.
HondaJet Aircraft Company
Source: Forbes
According to Volato, it expects to receive its first HondaJet Elite II in 2023, with the last coming in 2025. The new jet was announced at the 2022 National Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in October.
ZLEA
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
Volato is a startup private charter company that only launched revenue operations in August 2021. Customers can choose to be fractional owners of one of its planes, or pay for a one-off charter.
A Volato HondaJet Elite. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
The company is already a big customer for the manufacturer with 17 HondaJet planes currently in its fleet, meaning it'll operate over 40 once deliveries of the new jet are complete.
A Volato HondaJet Elite. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Since its launch, the operator has grown with more aircraft and bases and has become a popular private charter option for deep-pocket travelers.
A Volato HondaJet Elite. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The expansion includes an order for four 10-seater Gulfstream G280 super midsized aircraft, which will provide more offerings to Volato customers, Liotta told Insider.
Taylor Rains/Insider
Hourly rental rates for the HondaJet and the G280 start at $4,000 and $6,550, respectively, but owners get a discount.
Taylor Rains/Insider
"We currently have more demand than inventory to support," Volato CEO Matt Liotta told Insider in September.
A Volato HondaJet Elite. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The executive told Forbes in October that even the large Elite II order won't be able to "satisfy" the demand: "If Honda would sell us more jets, we would buy more," he said. "We would have liked more."
Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet. Taylor Rains/Insider
Source: Forbes
Given the already high demand, the company is going to need its upcoming Elite IIs. Here's what the plane will look like.
Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Private Jet Card Comparisons
According to the manufacturer, the new model will replace the Elite S, as well as the original Elite and HondaJet, meaning customers can only buy the Elite II.
The special colors the HondaJet Elite S could be ordered in. Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
Like Volato's current fleet of HondaJets, the Elite II can seat up to five passengers and two pilots, with two sets of swiveling loungers and stowable tables in the main cabin…
Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
…and a single seat facing the door. However, this seat can be replaced with a small galley, according to HondaJet.
The extra seat on Volato's current HondaJet Elite S. Taylor Rains/Insider
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
However, with a range of 1,780 miles, the Elite II can journey about 125 miles further than its Elite S predecessor, which has a range of 1,654 miles.
Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
In fact, when the jet enters service, it will be the fastest, highest, and longest-ranged private aircraft in its class with a maximum speed of 485 miles per hour and a cruising altitude of up to 43,000 feet.
A Volato HondaJet Elite. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
According to Liotta, the plane will open more nonstop flights along the popular Northeast-Florida corridor, giving customers added route flexibility.
Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
Source: Forbes
Moreover, the Elite II's improved efficiency will reduce fuel consumption by an average of 8,000 gallons per year, which can be attributed, in part, to its two GE Honda Aero HF120 engines.
A Volato HondaJet Elite. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
Like its predecessors, the design attaches the engines to the wings rather than the fuselage, reducing noise.
A Volato HondaJet Elite. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
Moreover, it allows for more space in the aft luggage compartment because the engines do not create an indent in the fuselage, according to the company.
A Volato HondaJet Elite storage compartment. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
While current HondaJets are commonly seen with grey or red paint jobs, the new Elite II can be wrapped in a bold new black livery, which "further differentiates the ramp appeal of the aircraft."
Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
On the inside, the Elite II has been upgraded with two new design options: onyx and steel. Onyx features a beige color scheme with wood accents…
HondaJet Elite II onyx. Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
…while steel features a grey color scheme with marble accents. HondaJet said the reimagined looks offer a "modern luxury of flight experience" and creates a "tranquil space for both passengers and pilots."
HondaJet Elite II steel. Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
Behind that is an enclosed lavatory with a toilet and sink, which is separated from the main cabin by a sliding door.
HondaJet Elite II lavatory. Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
Other amenities include cupholders, power ports, huge windows, multi-color LED lights, and ground lighting added to the entry door.
HondaJet Elite II steel. Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
In the cockpit, sheepskin covers are available for the pilot seats, as well as an optional configuration that offers three more inches of legroom and an extended seat track.
HondaJet Elite II cockpit. Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
Meanwhile, HondaJet plans to introduce two new flight deck systems, like auto throttle and emergency autoland, on the Elite II by the end of 2023.
HondaJet Elite II cockpit. Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
The company said this effort will improve the company through "automation, augmentation, and situational awareness technologies" that will "enhance operational safety and reduce pilot workload."
HondaJet Elite II cockpit. Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
“The HondaJet Elite II once again pushes the boundaries of its category on all fronts of performance, comfort, and style,” Honda Aircraft Company president and CEO Hideto Yamasaki said.
HondaJet Elite II. Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
In addition to the Elite II, the company is also producing the larger HondaJet 2600, which will be the world's first light aircraft that can journey coast-to-coast nonstop.
HondaJet 2600. Honda Aircraft Company
The plane will be able to carry up to 10 passengers and has loungers that transform into a bed.
HondaJet 2600. Honda Aircraft Company
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