20/Twenty: HondaJet Elite II, On Wings Of Kaizen

From first deliveries in 2015 through the first quarter of 2025, Honda Aircraft had placed 263 of its HA-420 HondaJets with customers. During that time, the aircraft saw four different iterations: the original (2015-18), Elite (2018-20), Elite S (2021-22), and the current Elite II.

Some of these updates were the result of naturally fine tuning the design, yielding better runway performance, more range, and extra payload. Updates incorporated new technology such as faster avionics processors, autothrottles, and emergency Autoland. Some enhanced passenger comfort with features such as improved cabin connectivity, better cabin insulation and individual slide and swivel seats.

Then there were those that were purely aesthetic—more fit and finish choices and a more diverse color palette. And automatic ground spoilers were added because apparently some pilots couldn’t be bothered to learn the Aircraft Flight Manual’s (AFM) landing guidance, a deficiency responsible for at least 20 runway excursions to date—four in just seven weeks earlier this year—and an unfair sullying of the brand.

Collectively these changes to the aircraft are prime example of “kaizen,” the Japanese business practice of continuous improvement. Honda’s attention to this has helped the company build a strong bond with its owners, almost half of whom are owner pilots.

The changes also have helped add cost to the aircraft. The new price averaged $4.5 million in 2015. It has now increased to $7.2 million. That makes it more expensive than competitive aircraft such as the Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 and the Embraer Phenom 100EX, although the Honda is marginally faster at 422 kts. and offers a slightly larger cabin than competitors. All three aircraft offer passenger seating for seven—assuming single pilot operations—and hourly direct operating costs in the $1,100 range.

Autothrottle Approval

Honda announced the Elite II in 2022 with deliveries beginning the following year. Autothrottles for the aircraft received FAA approval in October 2024, enabling Autoland functionality of the jet’s Garmin G3000 avionics system.

Changes embodied in the Elite II include a maximum range boost of 110 nm to 1,547 nm thanks to additional fuel in the aft tank and a 200-lb. jump in maximum takeoff weight to 11,100 lb. (However, this does reduce aft baggage capacity by 4 cu. ft. to 62 from 66.)

The other big change is the addition of automatic ground spoilers that are located on the trailing surface of the wing between the signature over-the-wing engine mounts and the fuselage. Cued by the weight on wheels sensors, they deploy immediately upon landing and in the event of a rejected takeoff without any pilot interaction.

The new spoilers, combined with the autothrottles and a stabilized approach system that provides aural and visual warnings, are aimed squarely at the runway excursion issue. As previously alluded to, that problem is largely the result of improper pilot technique.

Because of its straight laminar wings, the HondaJet is comparatively slippery. You don’t “grease” landings like you might in a swept wing aircraft or even the way you were taught in flight school in a Cessna 172—touching down on the mains and gently lowering the nose wheel.

In the HondaJet you land flat and plant it. All three gear touching down in quick succession followed by control yoke forward and heavy braking. Think aircraft carrier landing. Carrying any extra speed on final can be the express ticket to a tour of what lies beyond runway end.

Earlier this year the HondaJet Owners and Pilots Association (HJOPA) released an instructional video on proper landing technique. This educational effort—and the spoilers—are intended to ameliorate future off-runway adventures.  

The remaining new features on the Elite II are largely focused on style and comfort: new “Black Edition” paint schemes, interior colors of “Onyx” (described by Honda as “a rich and warm neutral greige cabin theme with mid-tone wood accents”) and “Steel,” hardwood aisle flooring, LED mood lighting, improved cabin crew legroom, transducers instead of speakers in the cabin walls, and enhanced cabin acoustic insulation.

Compared to the frenetic pace of pre-pandemic deliveries, which peaked at 43 in 2017, Honda delivered just 11 aircraft last year. Shane Hill, Honda Aircraft technical sales lead, said that was largely a function of Covid supplier overhang issues, which are working themselves out.

The company plans to deliver 14-15 aircraft this year and 26-30 in 2026. An aircraft ordered now would not be delivered until Q1 2027.

Very few pre-owned Elite IIs have come to market. According to the Aircraft Bluebook, retail values of these aircraft range from $6.15 million to $6.4 million.

BCA welcomes comment and insight from aircraft dealers and brokers for its monthly 20/Twenty pre-owned aircraft market feature. The focus aircraft for September is the Cessna Citation CJ2+. To participate, contact [email protected].