Frequently asked questions
HondaJet Elite II: what kind of aircraft is it and what to consider when buying?
The Elite II is a very light jet with a unique layout: GE Honda HF120 engines mounted over the wing, giving the quietest cabin in class and a full enclosed lavatory. Five passengers, a range of 2,865 km and a cruise of 782 km/h — a segment record. Its 1.87 m³ baggage hold is also best in class. In production since 2022. There is no flight attendant or hot meal service — the cabin is compact. There is no in-flight baggage access — bags are loaded on the ground. On typical legs it covers routes such as Paris–Milan · Geneva–Ibiza. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does the HondaJet Elite II cost: purchase and running costs?
Guide figures for the HondaJet Elite II: average pre-owned price — $4.5M; new — $7M. Running costs at 300–400 h/year — about $1.39M/year, or $3,470 per flight hour. The final figure depends on year, hours flown, engine-programme status and configuration. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What is the HondaJet known for and what is unusual about its design?
The HondaJet Elite II is the result of 30 years of Honda research: the only jet with over-the-wing engine mounts (the OTWEM layout). This freed the fuselage of structural beams — in the very light jet class it has the quietest and roomiest cabin with a full lavatory and the largest hold (1.87 m³). Plus class records: 782 km/h speed and a 13,100 m ceiling. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does a HondaJet cost and what does ownership cost?
A new Elite II is about $7M, used first-series HondaJets from 2016–2018 $3.2–4M. Direct costs are around $1,400–1,700 per flight hour: the GE Honda HF120 engines, with a 5,000-hour life, burn 15–20% less than rivals thanks to a laminar wing. A typical mission is 2–4 passengers over 1,500–2,500 km. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does the HondaJet differ from the Phenom 100 and Citation M2?
All three are very light jets at $5.5–7M. The HondaJet is the fastest (782 km/h versus 748 for the M2 and 745 for the Phenom 100EX) and the only one in class with a separate enclosed lavatory and a hold where suitcases load without disturbing the cabin. The Citation M2 leans on the Citation reputation and fleet, the Phenom 100EX on its BMW Designworks cabin. Range for all is in the 2,200–2,900 km band. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which country is Honda Aircraft from, how old is the marque and how many built?
Honda Aircraft Company is Honda's American division headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, founded in 2006 as the result of 30 years of research. More than 250 HondaJets have been delivered — unique jets with over-the-wing engines. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What routes and tasks suit very light jets?
The VLJ is built for short business flights for 1–3 people: London–Paris, Geneva–Nice, Milan–Rome. The optimal leg is 800–2,000 km, i.e. 1.5–2.5 hours' flight. The aircraft are single-pilot certified and use short strips from 1,000 m, so they fly into small airports closer to the destination — Courchevel or St. Moritz instead of a major hub. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What range and how many passengers do very light jets have?
The class standard is 4–6 passenger seats and 2,000–2,900 km of range: the Phenom 100EX 2,180 km, the Cirrus Vision Jet about 2,300 km, the Citation M2 Gen 2 2,880 km, the HondaJet Elite II 2,865 km. Cruise speed is 630–780 km/h. With a full cabin, real range drops to about 1,500–2,000 km. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does a very light jet differ from neighbouring classes?
A light jet (Phenom 300E, CJ4) carries 7–10 passengers over 3,700–4,000 km; a VLJ carries 4–6 over 2,000–2,900 km. Light jets have a roomier cabin with a full lavatory and a bigger hold, and higher speed. But a VLJ is 30–40% cheaper to charter and buy. The rule is simple: up to four passengers and 2,000 km — a VLJ is enough; more — you need a light jet. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which very light jets are in the fleet and how do they differ?
Four models: the Cessna Citation M2 Gen 2 — a classic with the longest range in the set (2,880 km); the HondaJet Elite II — the fastest (782 km/h) with a separate lavatory and a 1.87 m³ hold; the Embraer Phenom 100EX with a BMW Designworks cabin; and the Cirrus Vision Jet G2 — the only one with a CAPS airframe parachute and Safe Return auto-landing. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How do you choose an aircraft to buy for your needs?
Start from two numbers: the length of your typical route and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 people — a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km — a midsize jet; nonstop intercontinental — a long-range jet. Then adjust for short runways, baggage volume and sleeping berths. We'll match a model to your profile and calculate the ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
New aircraft or pre-owned — which is the better buy?
A new aircraft means a factory warranty and a 1–3-year queue, but the price is at its peak. A pre-owned aircraft means immediate delivery and a price 30–60% lower, while engine time and history matter. For most buyers a fresh 3–7-year-old aircraft is optimal: the main depreciation has happened and plenty of life remains. We cost both options. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
