Honda is building a new business jet that could change private aviation forever. The HondaJet Echelon is designed to fly nonstop from New York to Los Angeles while being certified for operation by a single pilot — something Honda says no jet in its class has done before. More than 530 potential buyers have already expressed interest, even though the aircraft’s first flight has now been pushed to 2028 and customer deliveries to 2031.
In this video, we look at why Honda believes the Echelon could still succeed despite the delay, how the global pilot shortage may actually increase demand for a single-pilot coast-to-coast jet, and how Honda’s over-the-wing engine design, Emergency Autoland, automation systems and lightweight airframe make the concept possible. We also compare it with the Embraer Phenom 300EV and Cessna Citation CJ4, examine Honda’s current production problems, and look at Honda’s second major aviation project — its experimental eVTOL aircraft designed for much longer trips than most electric air taxis.