From road to sky: Car brands who also make aircraft
They may move thousands of vertical feet apart, but cars and aircraft have more in common than you might think.
Car enthusiasts are often equally interested in aircraft – and we fly many clients to automobile and racing events such as global Formula 1 races (such as the Monaco Grand Prix); 24 Hours of Le Mans; or The International Motor Show in Germany.
But there are also connections at a technical level, with several well-known car manufacturers also producing aircraft.
We looked at the characteristics they share, on the road and in the sky.
Honda: Ingenuity & value
Honda is best known as a producer of versatile and innovative cars, and as the world’s largest motorbike manufacturer.
But the Japanese manufacturer has also now applied its efficient and innovative eye to its first private jet, which is now – finally – taking to the skies.
The HondaJet is a project that first began as an idea in the 1990’s, and it has taken 20 years to finally take to the skies as a passenger aircraft.
Although it made its first test flight in 2003, it was December 2015 when the Japanese jet achieved full FAA certification, with deliveries of the first orders starting at the beginning of 2016.
But despite its long road to the sky, the HondaJet is an exciting and revolutionary contender in the small jet segment, with greater fuel efficiency than its rivals – and the first to be fitted with engines located above the wings.
Its size is comparable to existing small jets, such as Cessna’s Citation Mustang or Embraer’s Phenom 100, but moving the engines above the wings gives more cabin space, accommodating six passengers and offering a private restroom.
It’s early days for HondaJet, with few yet in circulation, but we’re looking forward to seeing how it performs when it becomes available for charter.
Piaggio: Iconic Italian style
Italy’s Piaggio is well known for its uniquely neat and elegant scooters and motorcycles.
Its Vespa scooter design is particularly recognisable, offering an efficient and stylish way to cover short trips.
And along the same lines (but in the sky), is Piaggio’s private aircraft – the Avanti P180.
The Piaggio Avanti P180 is a particularly elegant private turboprop aircraft, notable for its ‘moustache’ on the nose of the fuselage.
Its spacious and quiet cabin also makes it a very comfortable aircraft for short trips. It can carry up to 7 passengers and can accommodate large suitcases, skis or golf bags.
And as with its road vehicles, the Piaggio Avanti offers cost-efficiency too.
Piaggio has recently launched the new Avanti Evo – with even greater design, comfort and efficiency.
Mitsubishi & Toyota: A new Asian regional jet
Mitsubishi started out in shipping, then diversified into a number of areas – but it’s best known as an automobile manufacturer.
And the Japanese company has now partnered with fellow Japanese car brand Toyota to produce an aircraft. A regional airliner, designed to compete with European and American rivals.
At the 2015 Singapore Airshow, Mitsubishi received several orders for the new Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ).
The airliner seats 90 passengers and while designed for the commercial airline market, could go on to become a private jet conversion – just as Brazilian manufacturer have done so successfully, creating the Embraer Legacy from their ERJ airliner.
The new Mitsubishi MRJ is scheduled to begin deliveries in 2017.
Saab: Reliable & affordable
The Swedish car manufacturer is well known for efficiency and space, while remaining affordable.
And that extends to their aircraft. Saab aircraft offer solutions for larger group air travel, at a highly-competitive price point.
These are not the most popular or the first that come to mind when we think of private aviation, however Saab aircraft are ideal for certain routes.
The Saab 2000 for example is one of the industry’s fastest turboprop aircraft, capable of carrying up to 58 passengers.
Ideal for group travel, it offers a highly competitive price per person if all seats are filled – close to the cost of a business class air ticket in some circumstances. But with all the advantages of private air travel (no airport delays; a bespoke route and itinerary; privacy and service).
For example, a flight from Paris to Rome on a Saab 2000 would cost around €36,400, or €627 per person if all seats were filled.
Rolls-Royce: Aviation powerhouse
As a car brand, there is no doubting the formidable heritage, power and quality of Rolls-Royce.
And of course, these are equally important qualities in the air.
Rolls-Royce have been creating aircraft engines since 1914. And today the British company is the second largest manufacturer of aircraft engines.
A range of Rolls-Royce engines power many different types of aircraft, from military planes to private jets, to airliners. Aircraft fitted with Rolls-Royce engines include the Airbus A380 and the Cessna Citation X+ private jet- the fastest civilian aircraft in the world.
These engines are built to last, but they can also be extremely impressive collector’s items when eventually out of use. Here at the PrivateFly UK office, we have a table custom made by Intrepid Design, from a polished Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engine. It’s a big talking point with visitors and a reminder of the power and engineering expertise behind every aircraft in our global network.
For advice or pricing on any charter aircraft, contact us or call our expert Flight Team on +44 1747 642 777.
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