HondaJet HA-420

The HondaJet HA-420 is the aircraft Honda spent decades developing to enter aviation, and it approaches the very-light-jet class from an entirely different engineering direction. Its signature feature is the over-the-wing engine mount, which removes the need for a fuselage-mounted engine structure — freeing cabin and baggage volume — while a natural-laminar-flow wing and nose and a carbon-composite fuselage cut drag.

The result is one of the fastest, highest-flying and most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class. Powered by GE Honda HF120 engines and flown behind Garmin G3000 avionics, it cruises around 420 knots up to 43,000 feet, with the later Elite variants extending range beyond 1,400 nautical miles. Since first customer deliveries in 2015 it has repeatedly been the best-selling aircraft in the very-light-jet category.

The HondaJet fits owner-pilots and light flight departments who want class-leading speed, efficiency and cabin space in a single-pilot-certified jet for short business hops. Buyers needing a stand-up cabin, longer range or a larger lavatory will look to light or midsize jets; those prioritising performance, efficiency and a genuinely distinctive design in the entry-jet class consistently return to the HondaJet.