Very Light Jets (VLJ)
HondaJet Elite II: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Honda Aircraft Company
HondaJet Elite II: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The HondaJet Elite II is Honda Aircraft Company's third-generation Very Light Jet, certified by the FAA in November 2022 and delivering 1,547 nautical miles of range, 422 ktas max cruise, and the largest cabin in the VLJ class at 290 cubic feet. Powered by twin GE Honda HF120 turbofans in the patented Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, the Elite II combines disruptive aerodynamics with class-leading luxury at a $6,950,000 factory list price.
For owners who demand the most advanced VLJ on the market with serious cabin space and standout ramp presence, this is the airplane.
HondaJet Elite II Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Very Light Jet (VLJ) |
| Type Certificate | FAA, November 2022 |
| Original HondaJet First Delivered | December 2015 |
| Crew | 1 pilot (single-pilot certified) |
| Passengers (Typical) | 5 to 6 in club configuration |
| Passengers (Max) | 7 (with belted lavatory and cockpit jumpseat) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,547 nm / 2,865 km |
| Max Cruise Speed | 422 ktas (Mach 0.72) |
| Max Operating Altitude | 43,000 ft |
| Cabin Pressure Altitude at FL430 | 7,927 ft |
| Engines | 2× GE Honda Aero HF120-H1A |
| Thrust per Engine | 2,050 lbf (4,100 lbf total) |
| Avionics | Garmin G3000 with Emergency Autoland |
| Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 11,100 lbs |
| Max Landing Weight | 10,360 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 468 US gallons |
| Cabin Length | 17.8 ft (12.1 ft passenger section) |
| Cabin Width | 5.0 ft (60 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 290 cubic ft (largest in class) |
| Baggage Volume | 62 cubic ft (external compartment) |
| Balanced Field Length | Approximately 3,800 ft |
| New Price (2025) | $6,950,000 |
History and Development
The HondaJet program began in the late 1990s under the vision of engineer Michimasa Fujino. Honda Aircraft Company was formed in 2006 to bring the concept to market, with the first production HondaJet (HA-420) delivered in December 2015. The aircraft was an immediate disruptor: faster, quieter, and more fuel-efficient than competing Cessna and Embraer VLJs.
The lineage:
- HondaJet (2015): Original production model, $4.5M base
- HondaJet Elite (May 2018, $5.2M): Expanded performance envelope, improved interior, updated flight deck, 1,437 nm range
- HondaJet Elite S (2021): Additional improvements
- HondaJet Elite II (October 2022, $6.95M): Current production, with improved aerodynamics, 200 lb gross weight increase, 1,547 nm range, FAA certification November 2022
In June 2023, Honda also announced the HondaJet 2600 / HA-480 Echelon, a stretched light-jet derivative aiming for 2,625 nm range and 11 seats, with first flight planned for late 2026.
The Elite II is the most-refined expression of the HondaJet platform, building on a decade of in-service learning.
The Over-The-Wing Engine Mount: Why It Matters
The HondaJet's defining feature is its patented Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM). Unlike conventional rear-fuselage-mounted engines (Phenom, Citation), the HF120 turbofans sit on pylons above the wings. This delivers four real-world benefits:
- Reduced cabin noise: No structural vibration path from engine to fuselage
- More cabin space: Engines are off the aft fuselage, allowing for a longer, more usable cabin
- Lower drag at cruise: Optimized engine-pylon-wing integration reduces transonic drag
- Better fuel efficiency: Honda claims up to 20% better fuel burn vs. competitors on equivalent missions
In practice, the OTWEM is why the Elite II offers 290 cubic feet of cabin in a 11,100 lb aircraft. Competing VLJs put the engines on the fuselage and lose that volume.
Exterior Dimensions and Airframe
The HondaJet Elite II features a low-wing cantilever monoplane configuration with composite fuselage, natural laminar flow wing, and the signature OTWEM engine placement.
| Exterior Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 42 ft 7 in |
| Wingspan | 39 ft 9 in |
| Height | 14 ft 11 in |
Cabin Interior and Passenger Experience
The Elite II's cabin is the largest in the VLJ class at 290 cubic feet, with cabin dimensions that put it in direct competition with light jets one tier above.
Cabin Dimensions
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Cabin Length | 17.8 ft |
| Passenger Section Length | 12.1 ft |
| Cabin Width | 5.0 ft (60 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | 290 cubic ft |
Seating Configurations
The standard layout features four executive club seats with a fold-out workstation between the facing pairs (a rarely-seen feature in the VLJ class). Configurations include:
- Standard Executive Club Four: Four facing seats plus optional fifth and sixth seats
- Six-Seat Configuration: With belted lavatory and forward cockpit jumpseat capability
- Seven Occupants: With a passenger in the cockpit, side-facing seat, and belted lavatory
Cabin Features
- Pull-out workstation: Deployed between facing seats for work or dining (segment-rare feature)
- Fully enclosed lavatory: With belted seat option for the seventh passenger
- Speakerless audio system: Sound devices distributed throughout the cabin for immersive audio
- Cabin altitude of 7,927 ft at FL430: Lower than commercial airliner cabin altitude
- Automated anti-ice, lighting, and pressurization: Reduced pilot workload
- Large windows: Plentiful natural light throughout the cabin
- USB-A and USB-C charging: At every seat
Baggage Capacity
The Elite II provides 62 cubic feet of external baggage capacity, accessible during flight via the external compartment.
Performance Specifications
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 422 ktas (Mach 0.72) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 360 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,547 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 43,000 ft |
| Steep Approach Certification | 5.5 degrees (London City and similar airports) |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Takeoff Distance (MTOW, SL, ISA) | 3,491 ft (Elite I, Elite II similar) |
| Landing Distance | Approximately 3,100 ft |
Typical Mission Examples
- Los Angeles to Chicago (1,512 nm) with reasonable headwind margins
- New York to Miami (956 nm)
- London to Athens (1,481 nm)
- Geneva to Marrakech (1,127 nm)
- Honolulu to mainland Hawaii inter-island missions
Fuel Efficiency Edge
Per Business & Commercial Aviation testing, the HondaJet Elite uses 1,872 lbs of fuel for a 1,000 nm 4-passenger mission, versus 1,919 lbs for the Phenom 100EV and 2,018 lbs for the Citation M2. On a 300 nm mission, the gap widens further. The Elite II carries this efficiency advantage into its expanded performance envelope.
Engines and Systems
Two GE Honda Aero HF120-H1A turbofans power the Elite II, each producing 2,050 lbf of thrust (4,100 lbf total). Mounted on pylons above the wings in the OTWEM configuration.
Engine and systems highlights:
- FADEC: Full Authority Digital Engine Control
- TBO: 5,000 hours on-condition
- Bypass Ratio: 2.9:1
- Engine Overhaul Cost: Approximately $408,000
- Brake-by-Wire: Standard
- Automated Pressurization: Reduces pilot workload
- Automated Anti-Ice: Wing and engine inlet protection
Avionics and Flight Deck
The Elite II features Honda's customized Garmin G3000 avionics suite with three large touchscreen displays.
Key features:
- Autothrottle: Reduces pilot workload during climb, cruise, and descent
- Garmin Emergency Autoland: Revolutionary autonomous landing system
- Stabilized Approach Alerts: Warns of unstable approach conditions
- Synthetic Vision Technology: 3D terrain display
- Advanced Steering Augmentation System (ASAS): Improves ground handling
- Auto Radar: Automatic weather scanning
- Steep Approach Certification: 5.5-degree approaches at airports like London City (LCY)
The Garmin Emergency Autoland system, certified in 2023, is the standout safety feature. With a single button press, passengers can land the aircraft autonomously if the pilot is incapacitated.
Operating Costs and Economics
The HondaJet Elite II offers among the most competitive operating economics in the VLJ class, helped by the OTWEM efficiency advantage.
Direct Operating Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (approximately 115 gph) | $567 to $850 |
| Maintenance | $572 |
| Engine Reserve | $250 to $300 |
| Misc Variable | $158 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$1,547 to $1,880/hr |
Annual Fixed Cost Estimates (450 hours per year)
| Cost Item | Annual |
|---|---|
| Crew (if applicable) | Variable |
| Hangar | $33,910 |
| Insurance | $27,840 |
| Recurrent Training | $18,000 |
| Subscriptions, Connectivity | $14,000 |
| Total Annual Fixed | ~$200,000 to $260,000 |
Charter Rates
HondaJet Elite II charter rates range $3,500 to $4,500 per flight hour.
Pricing: New and Pre-Owned
| Market | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New Elite II (2025 factory) | $6,950,000 |
| Pre-Owned Elite II | $6,500,000 to $7,200,000 |
| Pre-Owned Elite (2018 to 2022) | $4,500,000 to $5,800,000 |
| Pre-Owned Original HondaJet (2015 to 2017) | $3,200,000 to $4,200,000 |
Used Elite II supply is extremely tight given the recent type certification.
Mission Profile: Who Should Buy a HondaJet Elite II?
Best fit profiles:
- Owner-Operators Wanting the Most Modern VLJ: Newest design, newest avionics, newest cabin technology
- Charter Operators Targeting Premium Light Jet Substitution: 290 cu ft cabin punches up
- Cross-Country Domestic Operators: 1,547 nm range covers nearly all U.S. city pairs
- Operators Flying Steep-Approach Airports: London City (LCY) certification is rare in this class
Less suited if:
- You want the smallest, most economical entry-level option (Phenom 100EV or Vision Jet are better)
- You require an internal lavatory with multiple amenities at airliner standard
- Service network proximity matters more than aircraft capability (Cessna's network is larger)
HondaJet Elite II vs. Direct Competitors
| Aircraft | Range (nm) | Max Cruise | Cabin Volume | New Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HondaJet Elite II | 1,547 | 422 ktas | 290 cu ft | $6.95M |
| Embraer Phenom 100EV | 1,178 | 406 ktas | 212 cu ft | $4.75M |
| Citation M2 Gen2 | 1,550 | 404 ktas | 240 cu ft | $5.05M |
| Cirrus Vision Jet G2+ | 1,275 | 311 ktas | 237 cu ft | $3.5M |
The Elite II owns the cabin and the top of the speed envelope. It also commands a price premium of $2M over the Phenom 100EV.
Pros and Cons
What the HondaJet Elite II Does Well
- Largest VLJ cabin in production (290 cu ft)
- Fastest VLJ in its class (422 ktas)
- Class-leading fuel efficiency thanks to OTWEM design
- Garmin Emergency Autoland: industry-leading safety
- Steep-approach certification for difficult airports
- Distinctive ramp presence with OTWEM signature look
- Pull-out workstation is genuinely useful for executive missions
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Highest price tag in the VLJ class
- Honda's global service network is still developing relative to Cessna and Embraer
- 43,000 ft ceiling is higher than competitors, but useful only on specific missions
- Range is similar to M2 Gen2, so the premium is mostly for cabin and design
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can a HondaJet Elite II fly?
The HondaJet Elite II has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 1,547 nautical miles, capable of nearly all U.S. transcontinental missions with appropriate headwind margins.
How many passengers does the HondaJet Elite II carry?
Typical configurations carry 5 to 6 passengers. With a belted lavatory seat and a passenger in the cockpit, the Elite II is certified for up to 7 total occupants.
What is the Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM)?
OTWEM is HondaJet's patented engine placement design, mounting the HF120 turbofans on pylons above the wings rather than on the rear fuselage. The result: more cabin space, less cabin noise, lower drag, and better fuel efficiency.
Does the HondaJet Elite II have Emergency Autoland?
Yes. The Elite II is equipped with Garmin Emergency Autoland, which allows passengers to land the aircraft autonomously in the event of pilot incapacitation.
What is the difference between the HondaJet Elite and Elite II?
The Elite II (FAA-certified November 2022) adds improved aerodynamics, increased fuel capacity, 200 lb gross weight increase, expanded range to 1,547 nm, and a cruise speed of 422 ktas. The original Elite (2018) had 1,437 nm range and the same OTWEM configuration.
Can the HondaJet Elite II land at London City Airport?
Yes. The HondaJet is certified for steep approaches up to 5.5 degrees, allowing it to operate into London City Airport (LCY) and similar restricted-approach airfields.
What does it cost to charter a HondaJet Elite II?
Charter rates for the HondaJet Elite II typically range $3,500 to $4,500 per flight hour.
What is the cabin altitude of the HondaJet Elite II at maximum cruise?
The Elite II maintains a cabin altitude of approximately 7,927 feet when cruising at its maximum altitude of 43,000 feet, comparable to commercial airliner cabin conditions.
The Bottom Line
The HondaJet Elite II is the right answer when you want the most innovative, fastest, and most spacious aircraft in the VLJ class, and you're willing to pay a premium for it. The OTWEM design has matured into a mainstream platform with real operational advantages, the avionics suite is the most advanced in its segment, and the cabin punches well above its weight class.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for HondaJet Elite II market intelligence, charter access, or acquisition advisory. Our team has deep relationships across the HondaJet operator community and tracks every Elite II transaction.
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Book a HondaJet Elite II on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the HondaJet Elite II and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live HondaJet Elite II availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
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Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the HondaJet Elite II to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
HondaJet Elite II Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports HondaJet Elite II operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the HondaJet Elite II for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the HondaJet Elite II for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access HondaJet Elite II-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the HondaJet Elite II flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the HondaJet Elite II retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for HondaJet Elite II-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The HondaJet Elite II fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a HondaJet Elite II for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Embraer Phenom 100EV: Complete Specs and Buyer's Guide
- Cessna Citation M2 Gen2: Entry-Level Light Jet Review
- Cirrus Vision Jet G2+: Single-Engine VLJ Analysis
- HondaJet Echelon (HA-480): Forthcoming Light Jet Preview
Specifications and pricing accurate as of 2026. All performance figures based on standard atmospheric conditions and NBAA IFR fuel reserves unless otherwise noted.