If you love flying, the new HondaJet is a private jet that will set your heart racing. Designed by the Honda Aircraft Company, the HondaJet promises to be everything you had ever dreamed of in a jet plane. This flying machine has been in the works since the 1980s. Its maiden flight was in end 2003. Now in 2011, it appears that the HondaJet is ready. It has completed its first FAA-certified test flight, clocking a maximum speed of 489mph at the altitude of 30,000 feet. In doing so, the HondaJet beat the speeds of Honda’s fastest machines – including Honda F1 cars and the CBR sports bike.
Of course, this private jet, which carries five passengers and a pilot and co-pilot, has a $3.65 million price tag. That should persuade billionaires from all over the world, including those from emerging countries like China and India to start ordering their units. Honda will be producing 70 units annually with deliveries beginning from 2012. With General Electric motors powering the planes, the HA-420 aircraft will be built in Honda’s factories at Greensboro, North California.
Of course, not everyone will be able to afford the $3 million price tag. That is largely the reason why firms like Stratos Jet Charters, Wannajet and FlyRuby have built successful businesses out of renting out private jet planes. In a world that is pressed for time, and where huge geographical distances must be crossed quickly, private jets are essential. For those that just want a dose of flying fun, however, try the $75,000 Martin Aircraft Company Jetpack 2010 instead.
