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February 22, 2018 1:32 pm JST
HondaJet overtakes Cessna as top-selling small business jet in 2017
Japanese plane maker beats US rival for first time, nearly doubling sales to 43
TAKASHI SUGIMOTO, Nikkei staff writer
Honda Motor says it wants to make the HondaJet a flag bearer for its brand. (Courtesy of Honda)
TOKYO -- Honda Motor delivered 43 of its business jets, the HondaJet, to customers in 2017, up 20 from a year before, becoming the top-selling model for the first time by beating out U.S. rival Cessna Aircraft.
Cessna delivered 39 of its mainstay Citation M2 jets during the year.
Honda said its aircraft business improved mainly due to the strong North American market and Europe. It said about half of the aircraft it delivered went to individuals, and half to corporate clients.
The HondaJet is priced at $4.9 million. That would put annual sales at about $210.7 million, based on simple calculations.
Despite an overall slowdown in the business jet market around the world, demand for "very light" business jets such as the HondaJet grew by 50% last year from the year before.
According to data released Wednesday by the Washington-based General Aviation Manufacturers Association, a total of 676 business jets were delivered in 2017, up 1.3% from a year before, the first rise in three years. It was just half the figure for the peak year of 2008, however.
Very-light jets carry fewer than 10 people, including the pilot. In North America and Europe, they are mainly used to travel between cities and are primarily owned by wealthy individuals. Demand from companies and airlines has also been rising.
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The most notable characteristic of the HondaJet, which has seven seats, is its unique design that places the engine above the wings. This gives it more space inside and makes it quieter than rival aircraft, which have engines attached to the body.
A global rise in fuel prices also helped sales. Among global aircraft makers, Honda is the only one that makes its own engines, giving it up to 20% greater fuel efficiency than competitors' models, according to the company.
HondaJet overtakes Cessna as top-selling small business jet in 2017
Japanese plane maker beats US rival for first time, nearly doubling sales to 43
TAKASHI SUGIMOTO, Nikkei staff writer
Honda Motor says it wants to make the HondaJet a flag bearer for its brand. (Courtesy of Honda)
TOKYO -- Honda Motor delivered 43 of its business jets, the HondaJet, to customers in 2017, up 20 from a year before, becoming the top-selling model for the first time by beating out U.S. rival Cessna Aircraft.
Cessna delivered 39 of its mainstay Citation M2 jets during the year.
Honda said its aircraft business improved mainly due to the strong North American market and Europe. It said about half of the aircraft it delivered went to individuals, and half to corporate clients.
The HondaJet is priced at $4.9 million. That would put annual sales at about $210.7 million, based on simple calculations.
Despite an overall slowdown in the business jet market around the world, demand for "very light" business jets such as the HondaJet grew by 50% last year from the year before.
According to data released Wednesday by the Washington-based General Aviation Manufacturers Association, a total of 676 business jets were delivered in 2017, up 1.3% from a year before, the first rise in three years. It was just half the figure for the peak year of 2008, however.
Very-light jets carry fewer than 10 people, including the pilot. In North America and Europe, they are mainly used to travel between cities and are primarily owned by wealthy individuals. Demand from companies and airlines has also been rising.
Related stories
- Honda wins order for 16 jets from air taxi operator Wijet
- Honda launching sales of business jet in China
The most notable characteristic of the HondaJet, which has seven seats, is its unique design that places the engine above the wings. This gives it more space inside and makes it quieter than rival aircraft, which have engines attached to the body.
A global rise in fuel prices also helped sales. Among global aircraft makers, Honda is the only one that makes its own engines, giving it up to 20% greater fuel efficiency than competitors' models, according to the company.
