Honda wants to build the first transcontinental light jet — and it'll only need one pilot
If you want to fly private between California and New York nonstop, you'll need a midsize jet or larger and at least two pilots. However, Honda Aircraft Company wants to change that.
This week at the National Business Aviation Association's Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Las Vegas, Honda unveiled its concept for the HondaJet 2600. Although only a prototype, Honda is touting some game-changer features. Most notably, the manufacturer says that this would be the first light jet capable of nonstop flights across the U.S. and the first transcontinental jet designed for single-pilot operation. Today, light jets can only fly three to four hours at a time and require one or two fuel stops on cross-country trips.
The design is based on the original HondaJet and HondaJet Elite. Like the previous models, this plane would feature a unique over-the-wing engine mount configuration. This helps improve aerodynamics and allows the planes to fly faster, higher and further.
Honda expects the model 2600 to boast a high cruise speed of 450 knots, class-leading maximum operating altitude of 47,000 feet and range of 2,625 nautical miles.
Inside, there will be seating for up to 11 occupants, depending on the configuration. Honda says that the over-the-wing engine mounting configuration also allows the cabin to be quieter and more spacious than conventional light jets.
Related: The cheapest ways to get the private jet experience
Unlike many jets, the seats won't need to be folded down to be converted into a bed. Rather, Honda designed a special mattress that will lie across two seats.
Other features of the cabin will include a full-height galley and an enclosed lavatory.
Although there are two seats up front, like the previous models, the aircraft was designed to be flown by just one pilot. This would make it the first transcontinental passenger jet designed for single-pilot operation. Honda says that this is possible due to advanced flight tech and electronics, including autothrottle and autobrake, which would reduce pilot workload.
Related: The golden age of travel isn't over — it's evolving
In the rear of the aircraft is a whopping 120 cubic feet of cargo space — another benefit of the over-the-wing engine configuration. It's large enough to fit accommodate dozens of bags, as well as oversized items like skis, surfboards and bikes.
Although the 2600 model boasts many of the characteristics of a midsize jet in both performance and size, it aims to be much more efficient. Specifically, Honda expects fuel efficiency to be 20% better than light jets and 40% better than mid-size jets.
Still being in the concept stage, we don't know yet if or when production will actually start. However, Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino is eager about the project.
"The conditions in the business aviation industry have signaled the need for rapid cross-country travel, the ability to carry more passengers and payload, and to develop systems to cut carbon emissions," Fujino said. "In response we developed the HondaJet 2600 Concept."
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees