HondaJet launches the Elite with added range
After so many years in development, HondaJet is now really making its impact felt in the light jet charter market. And at industry gathering EBACE in May, the new model was unveiled – the HondaJet Elite.
Following customer feedback, the Honda Aircraft Company CEO Michimasa Fujino said adding more range was the biggest commercial demand. So, using new materials and technologies, his team managed to reduce drag and weight.
This, along with extra fuel tanks has resulted in a 17% range increase (taking it to 1,437nm). The company is also looking at the possibility of retrofitting the extra tanks to the standard HondaJet.
The HondaJet Elite’s cabin is also even quieter than the original HondaJet (already one of the least noisy small jets) which, along with it’s fully-enclosed lavatory, will be another differentiator in the competitive small jet segment.
Watch our video tour of the original HondaJet:
The Elite version will become the default HondaJet product soon, with some already on the production line and the first aircraft due to be delivered before the end of the summer.
One of the customers waiting for eight new aircraft (to add to a further eight pre-owned) is Wijet – one of Europe’s biggest ‘air taxi’ operators. As was announced earlier in the year, they are phasing out their fleet of Citation Mustangs, and replacing them with HondaJets instead. The first delivery will take place start this summer and then roll out quickly over the next year.
This will dramatically increase the availability of HondaJets in Europe – which is great news. Some of our clients are starting to choose HondaJets already, and we’re getting great feedback from them.
From a price point of view they are comparable with other small jets, but offer a more spacious 5-seat cabin, thanks to the overwing engines. The added range with the Elite version will make the aircraft even more attractive.
To charter a HondaJet, or compare small jet options, talk to our expert team. Contact us or call +44 (0)20 7100 6960.
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