Page 18 - AAA March / April 2024 Digital Magazine | GBP
P. 18
FOR THE UPPER
ECHELONS
HondaJet Echelon is set to build on the
innovative legacy of the HondaJet
By Jay Menon
fter facing severe tur- The HondaJet Echelon, pre- Garmin G3000 system, similar
bulence during and viously introduced as the to the Elite II, but with several
A post-pandemic due to a HondaJet 2600 Concept in 2021, upgrades, including a runway
global shortage of semiconduc- is a mid-sized jet designed to be overrun awareness and alerting
tors, Honda Aircraft Company the world’s first single-pilot light system and autobraking.
aims to establish itself as a jet capable of nonstop transcon-
leader in the world of small tinental flight across the United “We are currently working with
aircraft with its “game changer” States. our partners at Garmin and the
HondaJet Echelon. FAA towards the certification
The HondaJet Echelon can
“We are aiming to pro- accommodate up to 11 people for autothrottle and emergency
autoland for the HondaJet Elite
duce around 25–30 units of up from eight for existing II. We are working closely with
HondaJet Echelon annually. HondaJet models. Like its sta- our suppliers as these will also
Early build processes are blemate, the HondaJet Elite II, be incorporated in the new
scheduled to begin this year. the Echelon will have its engines Echelon,” said Amod Kelkar,
The first flight is planned for on pylons on top of the wings. Senior Vice President and
2026, followed by type certi- But the Echelon will be pow- Chief Commercial Officer of
fication anticipated in 2028,” ered by Williams International Honda Aircraft Company.
said Honda Aircraft Company FJ44-4C engines. The Elite is
President & CEO Hideto powered by GE-Honda engines.
Yamasaki. The flight deck will feature a The Echelon’s max cruise speed
18 | MARCH - APRIL 2024 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/AAA
