GREENSBORO, NC — Honda Aircraft Company has set a precedent in business aviation by completing the first flight of a production-model HondaJet powered entirely by 100% SAF composed of Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (HEFA-SPK) and Hydrodeoxygenated Synthetic Aromatic Kerosene (HDO-SAK). The test flight occurred over the Greensboro area, concluding with a successful landing at the company’s headquarters at Piedmont Triad International Airport.
This accomplishment stems from collaborative engineering efforts with GE Honda Aero, the joint venture responsible for the HF120 engines, which underwent ground tests on 100% SAF in 2022 and 2023. The HondaJet’s design, emphasizing laminar flow for up to 20% better fuel economy compared to peers, complements SAF’s potential for significant lifecycle emissions reductions relative to conventional jet fuel. With over 250 HondaJets delivered globally by 2024, and the model previously approved for up to 50% SAF blends, this flight demonstrates readiness for higher concentrations, potentially expediting certifications.
“We are immensely proud of our Honda Aircraft Company engineering team carrying forward our commitment to the future of aviation by demonstrating that the HondaJet is capable of operating on a 100% SAF blend,” said Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Honda Aircraft Company. “This achievement is a step toward aligning our business activities with the global Honda goal of decarbonizing our business activities by 2050.”
In the business aviation segment, where SAF uptake is accelerating to meet frameworks like ICAO’s CORSIA and NBAA sustainability standards—evidenced by Honda’s recent Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation—this milestone provides operators with a blueprint for fleet transitions. Stakeholders can prioritize engine compatibility assessments and supply partnerships, leveraging economies from aggregated demand to offset SAF premiums. However, regulatory approvals for routine 100% SAF use and infrastructure scaling remain key challenges, particularly in regions with limited production capacity.
Strategically, integrating such capabilities could position manufacturers like Honda for market differentiation, especially with upcoming models like the HondaJet Echelon, fostering investments in localized SAF hubs to reduce logistics costs and ensure compliance in high-growth private aviation markets.
Source: Honda Aircraft Company via GlobeNewswire, “Honda Aircraft Company Becomes First Twin-Turbine Very Light Business Jet Manufacturer to Fly HondaJet on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel,” October 13, 2025.
