Story ID: 
Honda Aircraft Celebrates Delivery of 250th HondaJet
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: The HondaJet was FAA certified and first delivery took place in 2015
Word Count: 288
Honda Aircraft has just delivered its 250th HondaJet since deliveries began in 2015, and it celebrated the milestone with employees at an event earlier this week at its Greensboro, North Carolina headquarters.
Since its introduction, the HondaJet has undergone a series of updates, boosting the original range of about 1,200 nm to the latest Elite II’s 1,547 nm. Maximum cruise speed is 422 knots and maximum altitude FL430, and it can accommodate up to eight occupants. The HondaJet is powered by two GE Honda Aero HF120 turbofans. Avionics are a Garmin G3000 suite.
The HondaJet’s unique over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) configuration was originated by the aircraft’s principal designer, former Honda Aircraft president and CEO Michimasa Fujino. Removing the engine mount structure from the aft fuselage allows for an enclosed lavatory in the rear, and it reduces cabin noise. The placement of the engines also delays drag rise, enabling more efficient high-speed cruise. From the beginning of the program, Fujino said that the OTWEM design would be adaptable to larger aircraft. Prior to retiring in 2022, he introduced Honda Aircraft’s next project, the light jet Echelon, with a range of 2,625 nm, max cruise of 450 knots, and seating for up to 11 occupants.
“The 250th delivery milestone is not just a number, but a narrative of our constant pursuit of excellence and innovation,” said Honda Aircraft president and CEO Hideto Yamasaki. “We are grateful for the global recognition and trust that customers place in the HondaJet. We remain dedicated to advancing the aviation industry, continuously pushing the boundaries of skyward mobility to enhance joy and freedom for customers.”
The HondaJet fleet has logged more than 210,000 flight hours with dispatch reliability of 99.7 percent.