Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Honda Aircraft has just delivered its 250th HondaJet since deliveries began in 2015, and it celebrated the milestone with employees at an event earlier this week at its Greensboro, North Carolina headquarters.
Since its introduction, the HondaJet has undergone a series of updates, boosting the original range of about 1,200 nm to the latest Elite II’s 1,547 nm. Maximum cruise speed is 422 knots and maximum altitude FL430, and it can accommodate up to eight occupants. The HondaJet is powered by two GE Honda Aero HF120 turbofans. Avionics are a Garmin G3000 suite.
The HondaJet’s unique over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) configuration was originated by the aircraft’s principal designer, former Honda Aircraft president and CEO Michimasa Fujino. Removing the engine mount structure from the aft fuselage allows for an enclosed lavatory in the rear, and it reduces cabin noise. The placement of the engines also delays drag rise, enabling more efficient high-speed cruise. From the beginning of the program, Fujino said that the OTWEM design would be adaptable to larger aircraft. Prior to retiring in 2022, he introduced Honda Aircraft’s next project, the light jet Echelon, with a range of 2,625 nm, max cruise of 450 knots, and seating for up to 11 occupants.
“The 250th delivery milestone is not just a number, but a narrative of our constant pursuit of excellence and innovation,” said Honda Aircraft president and CEO Hideto Yamasaki. “We are grateful for the global recognition and trust that customers place in the HondaJet. We remain dedicated to advancing the aviation industry, continuously pushing the boundaries of skyward mobility to enhance joy and freedom for customers.”
The HondaJet fleet has logged more than 210,000 flight hours with dispatch reliability of 99.7 percent.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Honda Aircraft Celebrates Delivery of 250th HondaJet Very Light Jet

The HondaJet was FAA certified and first delivery took place in 2015

“The 250th delivery milestone is not just a number, but a narrative of our constant pursuit of excellence and innovation,” said Honda Aircraft CEO Hideto Yamasaki.

Honda Aircraft Celebrates Delivery of 250th HondaJet

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

Two captains held the prototype 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds

Regent Flies Electric Seaglider with Crew for First Time

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Icing approval would open year-round service to northern communities

Horizon Begins Icing Tests for Cavorite X7 eVTOL

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Deal to close this year

Bombardier To Grow Manufacturing Capacity with MHICA Buy

David Donald

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

The two NATO allies will purchase seven of the tanker/transport aircraft

Spain and Poland Agree to Buy A330MRTT Tanker Transports

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

GE Aerospace has tested the GE9X, Leap 1A, Leap 1B, and more with the 747.

GE Aerospace Flies Boeing 747 To Test New Engine Tech

Charles Alcock

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

In this article

HondaJet HA-420 Series

Honda Aircraft

More In Aircraft

Regent Flies Electric Seaglider with Crew for First Time

Two captains held the prototype 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds

Horizon Begins Icing Tests for Cavorite X7 eVTOL

Icing approval would open year-round service to northern communities

Bombardier To Grow Manufacturing Capacity with MHICA Buy

Deal to close this year

Spain and Poland Agree to Buy A330MRTT Tanker Transports

The two NATO allies will purchase seven of the tanker/transport aircraft

GE Aerospace Flies Boeing 747 To Test New Engine Tech

GE Aerospace has tested the GE9X, Leap 1A, Leap 1B, and more with the 747.

Helsinki Evaluates Hybrid-electric Flight Connections

City officials and a local university are working with manufacturer Electra

Zuri Prepares to Fly Hybrid-electric Cargo Drone

Platform offers 100 kilogram payload and 300 nm range

Jetcraft Bullish on Preowned Business Aircraft Market

Broker says new aircraft production rates and tax changes are key drivers

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN