- Private jet manufacturer HondaJet has unveiled its new business aircraft — the $7 million Elite II.
- The plane will fly up to 485 miles per hour, becoming the fastest private jet in its class once it enters service.
- The Elite II has new options for customers like reimagined cabin designs and a special all-black livery.
At the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Switzerland on Monday, the Honda Aircraft Company officially debuted the next in its series of small business jets — the $7 million Elite II.
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.
Since its debut, the global HondaJet fleet has reached 230 planes — 20 of which are in Europe — and has flown over 170,000 flight hours.
The aircraft has already received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, the company confirmed to Insider.
The new jet was first announced at the 2022 National Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in October.
The manufacturer has already solidified a 25-strong order from private charter company Volato in a deal worth $174 million. The company said it expects to receive all of the planes by the end of 2025.
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.
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.
Since its launch, the operator has grown with more aircraft and bases and has become a popular private charter option for deep-pocket travelers.
“This new order will allow us to meet the growing demand for private air travel customers who are looking for the most efficient and most luxurious cabin in the very light jet class,” Volato CEO Matt Liotta said in a May press release.
Given the already high demand, the company is going to need its upcoming Elite IIs. Here’s what the plane will look like.
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…
…and a single seat facing the door. However, this seat can be replaced with a small galley, according to HondaJet.
However, with a range of 1,547 nautical miles (1,780 miles), the Elite II can journey 110 nautical miles (126 miles) further than its Elite S predecessor, which has a range of 1,437 nautical miles (1,654 miles).
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.
According to Liotta, the plane will open more nonstop flights along the popular Northeast-Florida corridor, giving customers added route flexibility.
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.
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
Like its predecessors, the design attaches the engines to the wings rather than the fuselage, reducing noise.
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.
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.”
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…
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
Source: Volato
Source: Flying Magazine, I flew on Honda’s $5 million private jet that seats 4 — see inside Volato’s HondaJet
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