Honda Aircraft Company flew a HondaJet using entirely sustainable aviation fuel, marking the first such test for twin-turbine very light business jets. The production model completed the October flight over North Carolina using a blend of hydroprocessed esters and synthetic aromatic kerosene before landing at the company’s Greensboro headquarters.
The aviation industry still uses sustainable fuel for less than 1% of total consumption, despite targets calling for 10% adoption by 2030. Most aircraft currently operate on blends containing no more than 50% alternative fuels, with broader approval for 100% sustainable aviation fuel still years away.
Honda’s engine partner GE Honda Aero ran ground tests with pure sustainable fuel in 2022 and 2023, laying groundwork for the recent flight trial. The manufacturer cited alignment with parent Honda Motor’s plan to eliminate carbon from operations by 2050.
The North Carolina-based planemaker has delivered more than 250 jets since its 2006 founding and received sustainability accreditation from the National Business Aviation Association last month. High production costs and limited feedstock availability continue to constrain sustainable aviation fuel supplies, even as manufacturers work to demonstrate compatibility with existing aircraft.
The company is separately developing the larger HondaJet Echelon model alongside its current Elite II aircraft.
