Summary
- The HondaJet Elite II offers improved dynamics, increased fuel capacity, and a range of 1,547 nautical miles.
- Operating costs for flying 200 hours annually on the HondaJet are estimated at $579,439.
- With an average flying speed of 338 mph, the cost per mile ranges from $8.56 to $6.86 depending on flying hours.
The private jet industry is certainly at one of its strongest times, with more people traveling by private jet than ever before. Although private ownership is not an option for most of us, there are still other ways to travel by private jet. But if you invested in an entry-level jet for a reasonable price, a HondaJet Elite II might be within range. Here, we take a look at the operating costs of a HondaJet Elite II aircraft.
Photo: Bluebearwing | Shutterstock
Introduction to the HondaJet
The HondaJet was first introduced in 1997 by the Honda Aircraft Company, although it was not certified by the FAA until 2015 and deliveries started the same year. It can be operated by one or two pilots and can seat four or five passengers. The aircraft is powered by GE Honda HF120 engines. Its maximum speed is 422 knots or 782 kilometers per hour and the range varies depending on variant.
Operating costs annually
According to Liberty Jet, you would need to set aside an annual budget of $579,439 when operating the aircraft 200 hours per year. If flying 400 hours per year, you would need a budget of $928,819 to cover direct operating costs and fixed costs. This does not include the purchase price of the aircraft, depreciation or interest payments.
Sample operating budget
|
Cost |
Flying 200 hours/year |
Flying 400 hours/year |
|---|---|---|
|
Direct Operating Costs (DOC) |
||
|
Fuel Cost @ $7.23/gal (updated weekly) |
$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 |
|
Fixed Costs |
||
|
Crew |
$114,649 |
$114,649 |
|
Crew Training |
$13,797 |
$13,797 |
|
Hangar |
$18,050 |
$18,050 |
|
Insurance |
$25,555 |
$25,555 |
|
Jet Management |
$48,000 |
$48,000 |
|
Miscellaneous Fixed |
$10,009 |
$10,009 |
|
Total Fixed Costs |
$230,059 |
$230,059 |
|
Total Annual Budget |
$579,439 |
$928,819 |
Bearing in mind, the HondaJet has a maximum speed of 423 miles per hour, and taking into account slower speeds during climb, descent, and cruise, an average speed of 338 miles per hour can be assumed. The cost per mile with 200 flying hours would be $8.56, or with 400 hours, the cost per mile would be reduced to $6.86. The purchase cost of a preowned HondaJet ranges between $3,275,000 and $4,100,000, but for a HondaJet Elite II, you would be looking at around $7 million.
More hours and the addition of a charter
Furthermore, if you wanted to fly 450 hours a year and assuming a cost of $6.00 per gallon of fuel as per aircraft cost calculator, your variable costs would be $590,400 and total fixed costs of $333,744, needing an annual budget of $924,144 respectively. This equates to $2,053.65 per hour. Some aircraft owners prefer not to charter their aircraft but with 200 additional hours charter, we can see how the costs per hour differentiate.
Flying 450 Hours per Year
Annual Owner Hours: 450
Annual Charter Hours: 0
Fuel Cost: $6.00
Total Fixed Cost: $333,744.00
Total Variable Cost: $590,400.00
Annual Budget: $924,144.00
Total Hourly Cost: $2,053.65
$1,641.65
Flying 450 Hours per Year plus 200 Charter Hours
Annual Owner Hours: 450
Annual Charter Hours: 200
Fuel Cost: $6.00
Total Fixed Cost: $148,344.00
Total Variable Cost: $590,400.00
Annual Budget: $738,744.00
Total Hourly Cost: $1,641.65
Photo: HondaJet
More about the HondaJet
It is a very light jet with a modern exterior and a comfortable interior, with club seating and folding tables, a small galley, and an enclosed lavatory. It is the fastest and highest-flying aircraft in its class and also has the longest range compared to its competitors. As of 2022, there were over 200 HondaJets in the skies, clocking up over 100,000 flight hours.
In 2018, the new variant, the HondaJet Elite, was introduced with better performance, an improved interior, and an updated flight deck. It has a longer flight range than its predecessor, and its aerodynamics have improved. The HondaJet Elite II was announced in October 2022. It had improved dynamics, increased fuel capacity, and a further range of 1,547 nautical miles or 2,865 kilometers. It has the Garmin G3000 flight deck with autothrottles and the Garmin emergency autoland system.
Photo: HondaJet
Aircraft specifications and comparisons
|
Variant |
HondaJet |
Elite |
Elite II |
Echelon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cockpit crew |
1 or 2 |
|||
|
Typical seating |
4 or 5 passengers |
6, 8 or 9 passengers |
||
|
Maximum seating |
7 passengers |
10 passengers |
||
|
Length |
42 ft 7 in (12.99 m) |
57 ft 10 in (17.62 m) |
||
|
Wingspan |
39 ft 9 in (12.12 m) |
56 ft 9 in (17.29 m) |
||
|
Height |
14 ft 11 in (4.54 m) |
15 ft 11 in (4.84 m) |
||
|
MTOW |
10,600 lb (4,808 kg) |
10,701 lb (4,854 kg) |
11,100 lb (5,035 kg) |
17,550 lb (7,938 kg) |
|
Cabin height |
4.83 ft (1.47 m) |
5 ft 3 in (1.59 m) |
||
|
Cabin width |
5 ft (1.52 m) |
5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) |
||
|
Engine (× 2) |
GE Honda HF120 2,050 lbf (9.1 kN) |
Williams FJ44-4C, 3,450 lbf (15.3 kN) |
||
|
Cruising speed |
422 kn (782 km/h; 486 mph) at FL300 |
450 kn (830 km/h; 520 mph) |
||
|
Range |
1,223 nmi (2,265 km; 1,407 mi) |
1,437 nmi (2,661 km; 1,654 mi) |
1,547 nmi (2,865 km; 1,780 mi) |
2,625 nmi (4,862 km; 3,021 mi) |
The newest variant and larger aircraft, the HondaJet Echelon is expected to start assembly next year.
