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HondaJet Echelon Reaches Major Milestone as First Wing Assembly Is Completed

Sun, Sep 20, 2026

HondaJet Echelon Reaches Major Milestone as First Wing Assembly Is Completed

Honda Aircraft has completed the first wing assembly for its HondaJet Echelon flight-test program, marking an important manufacturing milestone for the company’s larger next-generation business jet. Five wing structures are now in various stages of final assembly at the manufacturer’s Greensboro, North Carolina operation.

The progress comes alongside a significant schedule revision. Supplier-related issues have pushed the HA-480 Echelon’s targeted first flight to 2028, while type certification and initial customer deliveries are now expected in 2031. The change extends the development timeline by roughly two years from earlier targets.

For NVOII, the completed wing is tangible evidence that the Echelon program continues moving from design into hardware despite the longer certification schedule. Honda Aircraft is attempting to move beyond the very-light-jet segment with an aircraft designed for longer missions and a larger cabin, making the Echelon one of the more consequential new business jet programs currently under development.

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