Honda commits to production of light jet model

Spirit will provide an innovative build-to-print composite fuselage and a composite bonded frame for the new HondaJet 2600, with engineering designs currently being finalised.

Honda Aircraft Company is to manufacture the HondaJet 2600, an all-new light jet that was first introduced at the 2021 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition. The company will target type certification in 2028 and will offer this larger model alongside its existing very light jet, the HondaJet Elite II.

The new light jet program has garnered a positive market reaction since its introduction at the 2021 NBAA-BACE. The new aircraft will surpass the performance, comfort, and efficiency of typical light jets by providing a medium-sized jet experience. It is designed to be the world's first light jet capable of non-stop transcontinental flight across the United States, with a quiet and spacious cabin suited for long-range travel and the ability to accommodate up to 11 occupants. The aircraft is also designed for single-pilot operation, and will have up to 20% better fuel efficiency compared to typical light jets, and over 40% better fuel efficiency than medium-sized jets during a typical mission.

“The commercialization of our new light jet represents Honda's next chapter of skyward mobility, which further expands the potential of people's lives,” says Hideto Yamasaki, President and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company. “By building on the expertise behind our technological innovations, we will accelerate the development of the program with sustainability a key element throughout.”

Honda Aircraft Company has identified critical suppliers for the new light jet, entering into strategic supplier agreements with Aernnova for aerostructures and components, Garmin for avionics, Spirit AeroSystems for the fuselage, and Williams International for engines. Honda Aircraft Company is finalizing engineering designs for the new light jet, with fabrication activities under way.

Spirit AeroSystems is to expand its manufacturing role for Honda Aircraft Company with work including an innovative build-to-print composite fuselage and a composite bonded frame. The new statement of work leverages Spirit's technical expertise to implement affordable design and manufacturing efficiencies.

“This agreement expands our Regional and Business Jet portfolio and is a testament to our expertise in advanced materials and processes,” says Alex Bellamy, Vice President of Regional and Business Jet Programs at Spirit AeroSystems. “Our experienced and diverse teams worldwide continue demonstrating our capabilities in building next generation aircraft.”

Spirit leverages decades of design and manufacturing expertise to be the most innovative and reliable supplier of regional and business jet aerostructures. It offers a range of cutting-edge solutions that are designed to improve performance, reduce costs, and increase safety.