HondaJet was the most delivered ultra-small, business jet in 2017, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, overtaking the Cessna Citation M2.
Last year, Honda Aircraft Co. delivered 43 aircraft to customers on four continents. It delivered 23 in 2016. Honda Aircraft is a subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., and HondaJet is its first commercial aircraft.
The jet gained Federal Aviation Administration certification in 2015 and has broken 13 speed records. Jets are priced at $4.5 million, bring 2017’s sales to approximately $193.5 million.
“We would like to thank our customers for choosing the HondaJet for its value, features, and performance, making it the most delivered jet in its category,” Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft president and CEO, said. “We look forward to continuing to create new value in business aviation across the world.”
Including the pilot, ultra-small jets carry fewer than 10 people while the HondaJet seats seven.
In 2017, 676 business jets were delivered with demand for ultra-small aircraft growing 50 percent from 2016.
The HondaJet is 20 percent more fuel-efficient than other jets in the ultra-small category, according to Honda Aircraft. This is because Honda is the only aircraft manufacturer to use its own engines.
The company hopes to replace its racecar business with commercial aircraft.