New Hondajet HA-480 Echelon Private Jet Progressing Toward First Flight

With construction of the first experimental example well underway, development of Honda’s new Echelon private jet continues to progress toward the new aircraft’s first flight, targeted for 2026. A larger, more capable evolution of the original 4-8 passenger HA-420, the new jet will offer seating for up to 11, with a range of 2,625 nautical miles – roughly that of a Hawker 850XP – and a maximum cruise speed of 47,000 feet. Thanks in part to a Garmin G3000 avionics suite, both Hondajets will share a common type rating, with single-pilot certification. This will make the Echelon the longest-range single-pilot business jet in production, capable of New York to LA flights.