The HondaJet, with its unique over-the-wing engine placement, compact size, and needle-sharp profile, took its first flight in 2003.

This single crew light business jet was eventually certified for sale in the United States in 2015, and it has since been extremely popular, proving to be an excellent partner for regular short-range business travel or hopping from one state to another.

It can accommodate four to ten passengers, depending on the model and arrangement, so a few business associates or family members can also join the voyage.The Costs to Own and Operate a HondaJet HA-420 - SherpaReport

We discussed the various HondaJet models in length in a previous article. However, we have yet to discuss the affordability of a HondaJet Elite, including purchase or lease options and operating costs.

As a result, today we’ll look at some fascinating figures to evaluate how much they cost in general, with a focus on the base model, Elite, and Elite II where possible.

Comparing Performance Specifications

Simple Flying recently released an article regarding ‘heavy’ planes like the Gulfstream G700, which are classified as large business jets. The Gulfstream has a maximum range of 7,150 nautical miles (nm), and several other aircraft in this class have comparable super-long capabilities.

As a light business jet, the HondaJet falls into a completely other category. Jets in this class have a substantially limited range due to their small size and load capacity, which prevents them from carrying large amounts of fuel or cargo.

The advantage is that they are very convenient, with short take-off and landing distances that allow them to be used at a variety of tiny airports.

Another advantage is that they are far less expensive than larger corporate planes. For those who need to fly but do not want to travel halfway around the world, this type of jet may meet their demands while remaining relatively affordable. Let’s compare the HondaJets that were discussed earlier:

Model Max Range (nm) Cruise Speed (knots) Ceiling (ft) Takeoff length (ft) Landing Length (ft) Seats Baggage Capacity (cubic ft)
HondaJet 1,180 422 43,000 4,000 3,050 5–6 66
HondaJet Elite 1,437 422 43,000 3,491 2,795 5–6 66
HondaJet Elite II 1,547 422 43,000 3,699 2,717 6–7 62

So far, there have been some fascinating comparisons between the enhanced variations of the HondaJet Elite series. The cruise speed and operational ceiling are roughly the same, which appears to be a design choice.

Changes to aerodynamics and weight should have had a modest impact on these values. These adjustments appear to have been adjusted for to ensure performance consistency across the HondaJet series.

Aerodynamics, weight, and wing design have all seen significant advances, with takeoff and landing lengths continually improving across the types. The Elite II is an outlier, as it has a greater takeoff length than its predecessor. However, because this figure is provided by the manufacturer, it may be conservative, taking into consideration numerous environmental circumstances.A Closer Look At The Operating Costs Of The HondaJet Elite II

Even the basic HondaJet model includes a carbon fiber composite fuselage made up of honeycomb sandwich panels and lightweight strengthened pieces. The end result is light and sturdy, with each model improving on the previous one.

Lightness in some areas allows for additional weight in others. As seen by the continually rising range, fuel capacity has grown with each model. The Elite II can also accommodate one more person, but both of these features come at the cost of some luggage space.

Did you know Simple Flying’s editorial team creates videos on several current topics? I did not! Check them out here.

Purchase or lease a HondaJet

With the given specifications, we can begin to construct some buyer advise. The Elite II provides the most seats, the longest range, and the finest airstrip performance.

The Elite has the biggest baggage room and approximately equal performance in the other areas. However, when it comes to operating one of these HondaJets, the most crucial consideration is the price.

Prices for purchases

Model Price ($)
HondaJet 2,800,000
HondaJet Elite 3,800,000
HondaJet Elite II 7,000,000

Prices for the base and Elite models are current and sourced from AircraftCostCalculator. The Elite II’s pricing was published in 2023, so it may have decreased slightly since then. HondaJet sells certified pre-owned HondaJets and currently has two Elite II models listed.

Naturally, they do not disclose the price upfront, but purchasing a pre-owned jet may be less expensive than purchasing one off the production line.

However, there are other possibilities for using a HondaJet, including leasing. Many charter companies, like FlexAirCharters, offer HondaJet versions. FlexAir offers ‘Dry’ or ‘Wet’ leases, with the former covering only the plane’s use and the latter adding operators, cabin crew, a maintenance plan, and insurance.

In both circumstances, the customer is responsible for the hours of operation, fuel costs, airport fees, and taxes. Charter companies frequently provide longer-term leases, some for several years, and may offer discounts for such contracts.

Business Insider claimed in 2022 that Volato’s pricing for leasing a HondaJet Elite start at $4,000 per hour. Volato, on the other hand, offers a revolutionary concept known as fractional ownership, in which a consumer owns a section of an aircraft.Honda gets wings, showcases all-new HondaJet Elite S luxury aircraft | HT Auto

Volato would then utilize Vaunt, its proprietary software, to manage the jet’s use and position, ensuring that it could be used by its fractional owners as needed.

In my opinion, this is the cheapest method to experience the elegance and convenience of private aviation, as long as being the single owner is not a major consideration.

How much does it cost to run a HondaJet?

In most circumstances, whether leasing or owning, the client is responsible for at least a percentage of the operating costs. LibertyJet’s sample budget for the standard HondaJet model provides insight into operating costs.

The original HondaJet, Elite, and Elite II should perform similarly enough to be relatively equal in terms of running expenses, while the newest ones will undoubtedly perform slightly better.

Variable annual operating costs:

Direct Operating Cost (DOC) Cost of flying 200 hours/year ($) Cost of flying 400 hours/year ($)
Fuel Cost @ $7.23/gal 231,360 462,720
Maintenance 24,788 49,576
Engine Overhaul 48,232 96,464
Misc Crew/Landing/Handling 40,000 80,000
Miscellaneous Variable 5,000 10,000
Total Direct Operating Costs (DOC) 349,380 698,760

Naturally, longer flight times result in higher variable costs; more fuel is used, and components wear out faster.

More flights entail higher handling fees for airports and the important services they provide. Furthermore, it is always a good idea to include a little extra money to cover any unexpected expenses.Fixed annual running costs:

Fixed Cost Amount ($)
Crew 114,649
Crew Training 13,797
Hangar 18,050
Insurance 25,555
Jet Management 48,000
Miscellaneous Fixed 10,009
Total Fixed Cost 230,059

These are the costs associated with owning, storing, insuring, and staffing a private jet. Of course, some of these costs can be reduced by flying the jet yourself. Although the jet is small enough to keep on the driveway, it is best to store it professionally.

Combined total:

Cost of flying 200 hours/year ($) Cost of flying 400 hours/year ($)
Total Annual Budget 579,439 928,819

There you have it; the prices are really starting to add up, don’t they? Using a HondaJet offers several benefits, including affordable jet ownership and maintenance costs. In instance, the Gulfstream G700 costs $2,173,572 and $3,359,144 for 200 and 400 hours, respectively.

Savvy owners will schedule flying lessons as soon as possible, as expenditures such as crew and training begin to fall significantly. Similarly, costs can be reduced if owners handle their aircraft themselves or own a small private airstrip.

Because of the HondaJet’s excellent runway performance and size, it should be quite straightforward to accommodate. Having flown a few times, I can attest that piloting is a memorable experience. If you have the means to fly your own jet, I strongly recommend it.

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