Luxe et al are delighted to announce to Honda Aircraft Company have been shortlisted for Private Jet Design Award for The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2017.
Honda took on the tremendous challenge to bring the world’s newest light jet to market with the best combination of high performance and high fuel efficiency whilst simultaneously maximising cabin volume and luggage space. It is the world’s most advanced light jet and it brings new value to the light jet market. Honda developed an Over-The-Wing Engine Mount configuration to enhance aircraft performance, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, while reducing wave drag at high speeds. At 422 knots (486 mph/751 kph), the HondaJet is the fastest in its class with a weather-topping cruise altitude of more than 13,000 metres. Drag reduction enhances fuel efficiency up to 17 percent more than other light jets, making the HondaJet more environmentally friendly. Mounting the engines above the wings means less vibration and noise in the cabin. The wings also act as a sound baffle and significantly reduce ground noise. 
Advancements in aerodynamics and Natural-Laminar Flow technology in the HondaJet wing and fuselage nose design reduce drag. Unlike many traditional light jet manufacturers that use aluminum, the HondaJet has a composite fuselage, which makes for a lighter yet stronger airframe. Because of the HondaJet Over-The-Wing Engine Mount design, it is possible to maximise cabin volume without increasing the outside dimensions of the aircraft. The HondaJet cabin is approximately 15 percent larger than other jets in its class and the design results in longer cabin length with significantly increased seat pitch at 43 inches (1 metre) and has 14 inches (36 cm) more legroom. External baggage volume is also up to 50 percent larger than conventional light jets.
The HondaJet features a private, externally serviceable lavatory with a pocket privacy door. The lavatory is large enough to accommodate a vanity and infrared sink. Two skylight windows in the ceiling further enhance the interior’s spacious environment. The HondaJet pressurization system maintains a cabin altitude at 8,000 feet up to FL430, which is the highest pressurization in its class. Maintaining a higher-pressure differential – and thus a cabin pressure closer to sea level – provides a more comfortable passenger environment. The HondaJet cockpit design provides enhanced flight safety, situational awareness, and significantly reduces crew workload. Honda collaborated with Garmin to develop the first highly customized and highly automated avionics suite. HondaJet has a sophisticated flight deck with three 14-inch landscape displays and two touchscreen controllers that allow pilots enhanced navigation, flight planning, and system control.
Through the experience of developing and certifying a clean-sheet aircraft design, one can truly appreciate the complexity of technologies, depth of safety requirements and people’s unique skills within the aviation industry. It is an unimaginable experience that not many people have the opportunity to experience this in their lifetime. The HondaJet design incorporates new technologies and concepts that bring true, new value to the light jet segment. The end result is a beautiful aircraft that delivers a lifestyle benefit to customers – superior performance without compromising comfort and efficiency. Honda products are recognised for superior fuel efficiency. With the HondaJet, Honda Aircraft Company wanted to accomplish in aviation what the Honda Civic achieved in the U.S. market. Introduce a product that brings real, new value to consumers; the Honda Civic accomplished this by being a small, compact car with superior fuel efficiency. The HondaJet is up to 17 percent more fuel efficient than other light jets in its class.