HondaJet Elite II charter

The Honda Jet in brief

The Honda Jet is the small business jet built by Honda Aircraft Company, and the HondaJet Elite II is the current version you are most likely to be offered for charter. It is one of the most recognisable aircraft at any regional airport, thanks to its engines mounted on pylons above the wings. For charter clients, it is a compact, efficient jet for two to five passengers on trips of up to about two and a half hours, with a price point at the lower end of private jet travel.

The facts strip, nonstop table, cost estimates and peer comparison above come from our dataset, compiled from published sources. They are published manufacturer or public figures, not independently verified. This guide explains what they mean for a real booking: what the cabin is like inside, how far the aircraft really goes, what a charter costs and when a larger light jet is the better call.

JetPriceCheck is a charter broker. We do not own or operate the HondaJet or any other aircraft. We ask licensed operators for the aircraft that fit your trip, compare the options, and stay on the booking until you land. You can see how the service works on the JetPriceCheck homepage.

What the HondaJet is, and why it looks different

Honda, better known for cars and motorcycles, spent decades on aviation research before its jet reached customers. The aircraft is officially the Honda HA-420 HondaJet; it received type certification in 2015, according to the HondaJet article on Wikipedia. Honda Aircraft Company builds it in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Three design choices set the HondaJet apart, and each one has a practical effect on a charter flight:

• Engines above the wings. Mounting the engines on the wing, rather than on the rear fuselage, frees space inside the cabin and moves engine noise further from passengers. It is also why the aircraft is so easy to spot.
• A smooth, efficient shape. The wing and nose are shaped to keep airflow smooth for longer, and the fuselage is made of composite materials. The goal is more speed and range from less fuel.
• Purpose-built engines. The HF120 turbofans were developed by GE Honda Aero Engines, a joint venture between GE and Honda, as described in the GE Honda HF120 entry.

The Elite II, announced around 2022, is the latest update. According to Honda Aircraft Company, it added range, an autothrottle and a Garmin emergency autoland system that can land the aircraft if the pilot is incapacitated. Earlier versions (the original HondaJet and the Elite, then the Elite S) are still flying and may be offered as alternatives. They look almost identical from the outside, so ask which version a quote refers to.

Very light jet or light jet?

You will see the HondaJet described as both. Many industry sources call it a very light jet, the smallest class of business jet. Our dataset files it under light jets alongside the Phenom 300E, Learjet 75 and Pilatus PC-24, because charter clients compare them directly. In practice, it is the smallest of the four and the one to choose when the group is small and the trip is short.

Honda Jet range and speed: what to plan around

Our facts strip shows a range of about 1,547 nautical miles and a cruise of about 422 knots true airspeed. Both are the lowest in our light-jet group, although the cruise speed is still fast for an aircraft of this size. Published range assumes a set load, still air and standard reserves. With a full cabin, winter headwinds and an operator's fuel policy, the practical figure is lower. Our private jet range guide explains the margin we apply.

The HondaJet's comfort zone is the trip of up to about two to two and a half hours. Our fact pack screens 69 of the corridors we cover as nonstop for the HondaJet Elite II, as screening estimates rather than operating promises:

• US East Coast: New York to Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Nantucket, Chicago, Toronto, Palm Beach and Miami; Miami to Orlando, Atlanta and Nassau.
• US West and Mountain: Los Angeles to San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Oakland, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Seattle, Vancouver, Dallas and Aspen; Denver to Aspen and Los Angeles; San Francisco to Reno and Seattle.
• Texas and Mexico: Dallas to Houston, Austin and Las Vegas; Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas; Miami to Cancún.
• Europe: London to Paris, Geneva, Nice, Milan, Madrid and Ibiza; Paris to Nice, Geneva, Milan and Ibiza; Munich, Zurich and Vienna links; Barcelona and Madrid to Ibiza; Madrid to Marrakech; Geneva to Olbia.
• Middle East and Asia-Pacific: Dubai to Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha and Mumbai; Riyadh to Jeddah, Doha and Abu Dhabi; Singapore to Bali; Melbourne to Sydney.

The gaps are just as useful. Compared with the Learjet 75, the HondaJet drops New York to Aspen, Miami to Aspen, Miami to Cabo San Lucas, New York to Cancún, Singapore to Hong Kong, Dubai to Istanbul and Dubai to Malé. Those are the longer sectors where a bigger light jet, such as the Pilatus PC-24 or the Learjet 75, flies nonstop, while the HondaJet would plan a fuel stop or give way.

When a fuel stop still makes sense

A single stop is not automatically a reason to change aircraft. For two or three passengers on a four-hour trip, a 30-to-45-minute stop in a smaller, lower-cost jet can still produce the lowest total price. The trade-off is time and an extra landing. If you would rather arrive rested, we can price a nonstop in a larger jet alongside it.

Honda Jet inside: the cabin, seats and bags

"What is the Honda Jet like inside?" is one of the most common questions about the aircraft, so here is the honest picture.

Size. Our dataset shows a cabin about 4.8 feet tall and 5 feet wide, the lowest and narrowest of the four light jets we track; our sources give no cabin length. You sit comfortably with good headroom, but you stoop to move around, and it feels intimate rather than roomy.

Seats. The usual layout is a four-seat club section, facing pairs of seats, with one or two further seats depending on the airframe. Our dataset shows four to five passengers as a comfortable load and a maximum of six. For anything longer than an hour, four adults is the sweet spot; a fifth is fine for a short hop.

Lavatory. Honda fits a private lavatory at the rear of the cabin, which on earlier small jets was often a curtained seat. Configurations vary between airframes, so we confirm the layout for the aircraft offered.

Noise and comfort. Moving the engines above the wing takes them away from the cabin's rear bulkhead, and Honda markets a quiet cabin for the class. Windows are generous for the aircraft's size.

Refreshments and Wi-Fi. Expect a small refreshment area with cold drinks and snacks loaded to order. Wi-Fi fitment varies by operator and airframe, so ask us if you need to be online.

Baggage

Our sources give no baggage volume, so we quote none. Space is split between a rear hold and a small area in the nose, and Honda describes it as generous for such a small aircraft, although the hold shape limits very large items. Four passengers with a medium case each plus soft bags usually fit well. Golf bags and skis are possible in small numbers; tell us about them in advance and we will check with the operator.

Who a HondaJet charter suits

It is a strong fit for:

• Solo travellers, couples and small teams. One to four people on short business trips, such as New York to Boston or Los Angeles to San Francisco.
• Budget-conscious private flyers. The smallest jets usually sit at the lower end of charter pricing.
• Regional airports. Small jets can use shorter runways than larger business jets, which can put you closer to where you are going. Every airport is still checked for your date and conditions.
• Short-notice day trips. Where a HondaJet is based close to you, positioning costs stay low.

It is a weaker fit for:

• Five or more adults with luggage. The Phenom 300E or PC-24 is more comfortable.
• Trips over about two and a half hours. Longer sectors call for more range and a larger cabin.
• Travellers who want to stand up or spread out. A midsize jet solves both.

Crew

The HondaJet is certified for single-pilot operation, according to the manufacturer. Charter crewing depends on the operator, its regulator and the type of flight, and many commercial operators use two pilots. If crewing matters to you, we confirm it with the operator in writing.

Honda Jet price: charter cost versus buying one

Many people who search "honda jet price" or "how much is a honda jet" want to know what it costs to buy. We are a charter broker, so we do not sell aircraft; for new-aircraft pricing, speak to Honda Aircraft Company or its dealers. What we can help with is the cost of chartering one.

The cost section above uses our pricing model for light jets, which draws on published market rates: USD 3,500–5,000 per flight hour. As an illustration, a trip with about one hour of flying would sit at roughly USD 3,500–5,000 in flight time at those rates, before anything else is added. The HondaJet often prices at the lower end of the light-jet band because it is smaller, but the operator's quote is the only firm figure. These are estimates, not quotes and not offers.

What moves a HondaJet charter price:

1. Positioning. The aircraft's flight to your departure airport, and sometimes its flight home, is part of the bill.
2. One-way or return. A same-day return usually costs well under twice a one-way.
3. Overnight stays. Crew accommodation and parking are added when the aircraft waits with you.
4. Airport fees and dates. Handling fees, peak weekends and event weeks all push prices up.

Our private jet cost guide explains the whole picture, and our empty leg flights page covers discounted one-way positioning flights for flexible travellers.

HondaJet Elite II vs the other light jets

The peer table above compares the four light jets in our dataset. The HondaJet is the smallest; the choice is usually about how much more aircraft you need.

• HondaJet vs Embraer Phenom 300E: the Phenom seats six or seven, has more range and a slightly larger cabin. Choose the HondaJet for up to four passengers on short trips; move up to the Phenom as the group grows.
• HondaJet vs Learjet 75: the Learjet is faster and flies much further, with more seats; neither has a published baggage figure in our dataset. It suits longer, time-sensitive trips.
• HondaJet vs Pilatus PC-24: the PC-24 has the largest cabin and hold of the group and handles shorter, rougher runways. It is the choice for a family with luggage or an unusual destination.

The light jet charter guide covers the whole class, and the aircraft guide takes you from turboprops to ultra-long-range jets.

How we arrange a HondaJet charter

1. Tell us the trip. Dates, airports, passenger numbers and a short description of the luggage.
2. We ask licensed operators. We look for HondaJet aircraft near your departure point, plus alternatives if a larger jet is better value.
3. You compare options. We show the aircraft version and year where available, what is included and any positioning or overnight costs.
4. You book on the operator's terms. The operator flies the aircraft; we coordinate.
5. We stay with the trip until you land, handling changes with the operator.

Browse the private jet routes directory for route estimates and flight times, or ask JetPriceCheck for a quote.

Honda Jet FAQ

How many people can fit in a Honda Jet?

Our dataset shows four to five passengers as a comfortable load and a maximum of six. For trips longer than an hour, four adults with normal luggage is the most comfortable fit.

How far can a HondaJet Elite II fly?

Our dataset shows a range of about 1,547 nautical miles. On real trips, plan on sectors of up to about two to two and a half hours; our screening flags 69 corridors as nonstop, including New York to Miami and London to Ibiza.

How much does it cost to charter a light jet like the HondaJet?

Our pricing model uses USD 3,500–5,000 per flight hour for light jets, based on published market rates, and the HondaJet often sits toward the lower end. Positioning, trip shape, fees and dates change the total; only an operator's quote is a firm price.

Does the Honda Jet have a bathroom?

Yes. The Elite II has a private lavatory at the rear of the cabin. Layouts vary by airframe, so we confirm it for the aircraft offered.

Why are the Honda Jet's engines on top of the wings?

Honda mounted the engines above the wings to free up cabin space, reduce cabin noise and improve efficiency. It is the aircraft's most recognisable feature.

Is a HondaJet a very light jet?

Many sources class it as a very light jet. We group it with light jets because charter clients compare it with the Phenom 300E, Learjet 75 and PC-24.