In-flight rendering of the Echelon
In 2019, at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (BACE) in Las Vegas, Honda addressed the speculations by unveiling a mockup of the HondaJet 2600—a sleek, ambitious aircraft. While specific performance details were initially scarce, Honda revealed an impressive 2,600-nautical-mile range that would surpass the competition. The aircraft’s design stayed true to Honda’s innovative over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) concept but didn’t disclose the engine manufacturer at that time. Based on the anticipated specifications, the Williams International FJ44-4A series seemed like the logical choice. At that time, I opined, the only way to get the proposed range was with an operating ceiling of FL470. The Honda Aircraft staff just smiled when I mentioned the ceiling.
Fast forward to last fall’s NBAA BACE in Las Vegas, where Honda confirmed the use of Williams’ FJ44-4AC engines, coupled with a service ceiling of FL470 and a max cruise speed of 450 KTAS (0.77 Mach). The “HondaJet 2600,” named for its projected range, has been rebranded as the HA-480 Echelon. This new jet isn’t simply a stretched HondaJet—it represents a clean-sheet design, sharing only a few characteristics like the OTWEM engine configuration, low-wing profile, Garmin G3000 avionics, and lavatory skylights.
At the NBAA Static Display in Henderson, Nevada, my son Tigre and I met Ryan Ramos and YiYi Cui from Honda Aircraft’s marketing team to learn more about the Echelon and explore the mockup. They explained that Honda Aircraft had planned its Greensboro, NC facilities for growth, allowing them to develop the Echelon quickly alongside the HondaJet. They also partnered with Spirit AeroSystems to help with manufacturing. Certification is planned for 2028, and Honda Aircraft is well on track to meet that goal.
The Echelon incorporates advanced technologies to redefine the light jet category. Its composite fuselage, primarily made of carbon fiber, provides an optimized cabin shape compared to traditional tubular aluminum structures.
The consistent fuselage cross-section and complex 3D laminar flow design, facilitated by the use of composites, maximize cabin and baggage space. Outside of the Beechcraft Premier, the Echelon is the only light jet to feature such extensive use of composites. Combined with the OTWEM concept, this design offers significant aerodynamic benefits, resulting in a 20% efficiency improvement and, coupled with a higher service ceiling of FL470, greatly increases range.
The wings are aluminum with a slight sweep and a span of 57 feet, substantially wider than the Cessna CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300 and matching the Pilatus PC-24. The Echelon stands 15.9 feet tall, with my estimated length of 57.8 feet.
The Williams International FJ44-4AC engines will each produce 3450 lbs. of thrust, and will utilize the QPM (Quiet Power Mode) which allows one engine to act as an APU at a lower idle and provide ample power on the ramp to power systems, while reducing the noise footprint when compared to other APUs, or even diesel-powered GPUs.
The exterior of the Echelon impresses with its slightly swept wing and sleek fuselage, featuring six large cabin windows and a wide main cabin door. The aircraft can carry up to nine passengers and two crew, and its large aft baggage compartment offers 120 cubic feet of external storage. I’ve flown with a large number of passengers in other jets, and with eleven potential occupants, they need the baggage volume.
This large baggage volume is impressive, especially in comparison with the Citation CJ4’s 77 cubic feet, the Phenom 300’s 74 cubic feet, and the generous 90 cubic feet in the Pilatus PC-24. The CJ4 does have the nice convenience of a substantial nose baggage compartment. While the load capacity remains undisclosed, it would need to be in excess of 1,000 lbs. to match the CJ4 and at least 570 to compare with the Phenom 300. The PC-24 doesn’t have a specific baggage compartment weight limit since its design incorporates an internal cargo configuration.
The aft externally serviceable lavatory is tastefully designed with a small vanity and incorporates Lee Aerospace’s CoolView skylights, similar to the original HondaJet. I’ve experienced Lee Aerospace’s unique window design, and it greatly improves cabin and cockpit comfort, reflecting a substantial amount of radiant heat.
The Cabin Comforts
Inside, the cabin benefits from an ellipsoid shape that offers 4.5 inches more headroom than the HondaJet and additional width at both floor and shoulder levels. The aircraft is available in three configurations: Executive (seven seats), Dual-Club (eight seats), and Divan (featuring a three-seat divan). My son Tigre and I evaluated the new interior, and while Tigre, at 6’6”, found the headroom slightly tight, the seats were comfortable, and the double-club layout allows for up to seven feet between seats.
The cabin, at 17’4” in length, is the same as the CJ4, two inches longer than the Phenom 300E. and a few feet shorter than the PC-24. The PC-24 cabin is difficult to compare since its 23 feet also includes the internal cargo area. The cabin height is identical to the Phenom 300E at 4’11”, four inches higher than the CJ4 and four inches lower than the PC-24.
Flight Deck
Honda Aircraft has increased the legroom in the flight deck over the HondaJet, which I definitely appreciated. The seats are comfortable, with ample elbow room. However, the prototype side windows are too small. In the HondaJet and the Echelon, the limited view from the flight deck could be improved for situational awareness. It appears they are sized for pilots that sit much closer to the instrument panel. With the seats extended aft, the pilot cannot see the wing tips, making it hard to realize one of the joys of flying–the ability to have an exceptional view.
The Echelon is equipped with the Garmin G3000, similar to the avionics in their HondaJet HA-420, with some enhancements over the current implementations. The new system incorporates Runway Overrun and Alerting System (ROWAAS), which provides pilots with immediate information on potential runway overruns during landing. In addition, it will offer Garmin’s Emergency Autoland, potentially the first in its class. We have flown that system in other aircraft to a full stop, and it is a game-changer. Other features include autothrottles and another first in any comparable jet–auto braking. I’m confident that by the time the Echelon is released, it will have even more advanced avionics.
Flight Capabilities
Obviously, I haven’t had the chance to fly the new Echelon. However, it promises to be a very capable single-pilot jet, and one of the goals of Honda Aircraft is for it to share the type rating of the HondaJet. I would expect that most of these aircraft will be flown with a crew. Perhaps simply due to the current insurance environment and requirements for two pilots when flying jets of substantial hull value, as well as high liability limits that usually coincide with such aircraft.
One of the most impressive capabilities of the Echelon is the maximum range. At over 2600 nm, this jet can easily travel non-stop from coast to coast in the United States, carrying a pilot and four passengers in both directions. This is with 80% probability winds, using the NBAA range profile.
A range comparison in this category shows there is no competition.
Summary
While no firm price has been announced for the Echelon, in comparison with current competitor’s offerings, I would estimate a typically equipped jet would be in the $14 million range at current values. In 2028, when it is scheduled for production, I’ll take a guess at $17.5 million.
The HondaJet Echelon exemplifies Honda Aircraft’s dedication to innovation and excellence in aviation. With its advanced design and impressive performance, the Echelon is poised to redefine the light jet category and set new industry standards.
With the ability to only use 3,300 feet for takeoff, fly a projected range of 2,625 nautical miles, and land in 2,550 feet, the Echelon doesn’t fill a niche–it creates it.
As we eagerly await its certification in 2028, one thing is clear: the sky’s the limit for Honda Aircraft.
