Honda Aircraft Company has announced the completion of the first wing structure for its HondaJet Echelon test aircraft, one of five wing structures now in various stages of final assembly. Mainline final assembly is targeted to begin in early 2027.
The HondaJet Echelon will have a larger cabin and increased passenger capacity compared with the current HA-420 HondaJet. The HondaJet Echelon will have capacity for one crew member and 10 passengers, or two crew and nine passengers. Honda Aircraft is targeting it to become the first single-pilot certified light jet capable of US transcontinental range (2,625nm NBAA IFR range with one crew and four passengers).
First flight is targeted for 2028, with type certification and first delivery now expected in 2031; the company said the updated timeline reflects tier-one supplier-related schedule adjustments and ongoing development work.
Structural testing has advanced, with key component tests now complete. System integration continues through Honda Aircraft’s Integrated Test Facility, where a fully operational cockpit test environment is supporting active integration campaigns, and a second cockpit is being commissioned to evaluate key aircraft systems ahead of the test aircraft’s first flight.
Manufacturing has also accelerated, with more than 70% of parts required for first assembly now on hand and more than 88,400ft² of manufacturing space now provisioned for the HondaJet Echelon programme.
“The HondaJet Echelon continues to take shape through the dedication and expertise of our associates and numerous OEM supplier partners,” said Amod Kelkar, SVP, chief commercial officer and HondaJet Echelon programme leader at Honda Aircraft Company. “Completion of the first wing assembly represents an important achievement as we continue advancing testing, systems integration, and equipment qualification activity across the programme. In spite of some schedule challenges, with steady progress towards the final assembly, we are committed to delivering an aircraft that will redefine light jet performance, efficiency and capability.”
The HondaJet Echelon is designed to incorporate Honda Aircraft’s Over the Wing Engine Mount, a composite fuselage and advanced avionics. Planned features include Auto Throttle, Emergency Autoland, Autobrake, the Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS) and the Advanced Steering Augmentation System (ASAS).
“With more than 530 signed letters of intent, enthusiasm from customers around the world remains exceptionally strong,” Kelkar said. “That confidence reflects the unique value customers see in the aircraft’s planned combination of range, comfort and single-pilot capability. As we achieve each new development milestone, we remain focused on delivering an aircraft that will open new possibilities for operators and owners around the world.”
