North Carolina-based Honda Aircraft has taken a significant step toward operating its business jets on renewable fuel. In a test flight conducted in the U.S., the twin-engine HondaJet Elite successfully completed its operation entirely on renewable fuel.
According to Nikkei Asian Review, Honda Aircraft’s previous attempts limited the fuel blend to 50% renewable sources. The company is developing aircraft engines capable of running on renewable fuel in collaboration with GE Aerospace. Engine tests began in 2022 using only renewable fuel, and flight tests were completed this year.
The maximum takeoff weight of the HondaJet Elite is set at 5,670 kg, and the tests used fuel based on a blend of animal and vegetable oils. Currently, aviation regulations allow only 50% of the fuel to be renewable. Increasing this ratio will require additional certification processes.
The use of renewable fuel aims to reduce carbon emissions both during flight and in the production process. The International Civil Aviation Organization plans to make renewable fuel usage mandatory in all member countries by 2027, while steps toward fully phasing out traditional fuels are still in the early stages. For example, Japanese airlines plan to increase the share of renewable fuel to only 10% by 2030.
