04 Feb 2026 15:17
(UTC)
Business aviation
HondaJet Elite II certified by FAA to become first production model twin-turbine very light business jet available with Emergency Autoland
HondaJet Elite II has become the first production model twin-turbine very light business jet certified to equip Emergency Autoland, following certification of the system by the Federal Aviation Administration. The installation of this technology has been highly anticipated by owners and operators of the HondaJet Elite II based in the United States, and Honda Aircraft Company is pursuing certifications from regulatory agencies in other markets to offer the same value to international customers.
Honda Aircraft Company President & CEO Hideto Yamasaki commented: "Adding Emergency Autoland to the HondaJet Elite II demonstrates our commitment to delivering new value to our customers. I'm proud that our team is fulfilling on this promise by offering Emergency Autoland and giving our HondaJet Elite II customers greater peace of mind during every flight."
As the name Emergency Autoland implies, the EAL system is designed to enable the aircraft to land autonomously in an emergency situation where the pilot has become incapacitated. The system may be initialized either by pushing a button to engage the EAL, or by automated monitoring systems, which can detect pilot unresponsiveness that may render EAL activation appropriate. When active, the EAL system automatically transmits an emergency code and conducts radio calls to alert air traffic control to the emergency. EAL-equipped aircraft can autonomously evaluate weather, terrain, fuel, and runway dimensions to select the optimal diversion airport, configure the aircraft for landing, navigate along the approach path, land the aircraft, and apply the brakes to a full stop on the runway.
In October 2024, the HondaJet Elite II became the first twin-turbine very light business jet to equip Autothrottle, a key technology related to the EAL system. Certification flight testing of EAL was completed in October 2025, paving the way for this latest achievement.