Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 14, Honda Aircraft has successfully completed a flight test of its HA420 HondaJet using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), demonstrating the capability of operating an unmodified very light jet entirely on renewable fuel. The flight, conducted in late September, represents a significant step in advancing SAF adoption in business aviation.

This milestone follows three years after GE Honda Aero Engines (GE Honda) conducted testing of the HondaJet’s HF120 engine with 100% SAF, which extended the aircraft’s operational capability beyond previously approved fuel blends of up to 50%.

Melvyn Heard, Business Aviation General Manager for GE Aerospace’s Commercial Engines and Services business, said: “Unlike other SAF tests you’ve seen in the past, in which there were some modifications where they would put the 100% SAF in one wing and run it off one engine, there was no modifications with the aircraft at all. They filled it up, took off and did the demonstration flights.” This highlights the practicality of using SAF in standard HondaJets without requiring technical modifications.

The flight test aligns with recent industry advancements in SAF use. Just under two years ago, a Pratt & Whitney PW815GA-powered Gulfstream G600 completed the first trans-Atlantic flight using 100% SAF, flying from Gulfstream’s headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, to Farnborough Airport in England. These developments reflect growing momentum for renewable fuels in business and commercial aviation.

GE Aerospace also marked the 20th anniversary of its HF120 joint venture with Honda in 2024, celebrating two decades of collaboration on the HondaJet. Nearly 260 HondaJets are currently in service, with engine production continuing to support the very light jet fleet.

The successful HA420 flight underscores Honda Aircraft’s commitment to sustainable aviation solutions and demonstrates the potential for SAF to reduce carbon emissions in business aviation without requiring changes to aircraft or engine design.

This achievement not only strengthens HondaJet’s operational flexibility but also contributes to broader industry efforts to decarbonize aviation by providing proof of concept for widespread SAF adoption. By combining reliable performance with renewable fuel use, Honda and GE Honda are advancing environmentally responsible aviation practices while maintaining the high standards expected for very light jets.

Overall, the HA420 SAF flight represents an important benchmark in renewable fuel deployment, supporting Honda Aircraft’s long-term goals of sustainability and innovation in business aviation.