I flew on Honda's $5 million private jet that seats 4 — see inside Volato's HondaJet

Taylor RainsFeb 21, 2022, 19:48 IST

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Private airline Volato is a charter company that uses the best-selling HondaJet as its workhorse aircraft.
Volato charges $4,000 per hour, but customers can own a fraction of the jet to reduce the hourly rate and earn revenue.

Most people have heard of Honda's best-selling line of cars and trucks, but many may not be aware the company has another noteworthy product — a private jet.

HondaJet 2600Honda Aircraft Company

Honda revealed its concept for the world's first light aircraft capable of nonstop transcontinental travel across the US — meet HondaJet 2600

The appropriately named HondaJet is a small, light aircraft that first debuted in 2014 and is run by the Honda Aircraft Company, the carmaker's aviation arm.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

The plane is known for its spacious cabin, speed, and range of about 1,500 nautical miles, allowing customers to fly nonstop between New York and more than half of the Lower 48.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

The plane is known for its spacious cabin, speed, and range of about 1,500 nautical miles, allowing customers to fly nonstop between New York and more than half of the Lower 48.

In 2017, it became the best-selling light business aircraft in the world and got the attention of high-profile celebrities like Tom Cruise, who purchased a HondaJet Elite in 2019.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

In 2017, it became the best-selling light business aircraft in the world and got the attention of high-profile celebrities like Tom Cruise, who purchased a HondaJet Elite in 2019.

While the jet is small and relatively underutilized in the US compared to competitors like Embraer's Phenom 100, one entity sees it as the perfect workhorse.

Embraer Phenom 100.RikoBest/Shutterstock

Atlanta-based Volato is a private airline that was born during the pandemic and has become a popular option for deep-pocket travelers willing to pay more for modern amenities on its luxury private jets.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Atlanta-based Volato is a private airline that was born during the pandemic and has become a popular option for deep-pocket travelers willing to pay more for modern amenities on its luxury private jets.

Specifically, the company has six Honda Elite planes in its fleet with another 16 on order. Volato expects to take its seventh aircraft in April and will have a total of 22 when the rest of the deliveries are fulfilled, CEO Matt Liotta told Insider.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Specifically, the company has six Honda Elite planes in its fleet with another 16 on order. Volato expects to take its seventh aircraft in April and will have a total of 22 when the rest of the deliveries are fulfilled, CEO Matt Liotta told Insider.

Unfortunately for many companies, the high demand for private aviation has made it difficult to find planes. However, Liotta said that the company will not be impacted because it got its order in with Honda early.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Unfortunately for many companies, the high demand for private aviation has made it difficult to find planes. However, Liotta said that the company will not be impacted because it got its order in with Honda early.

This is good for deep-pocket customers who have found private aviation to be more affordable and convenient than they previously thought, especially during the pandemic when health safety and unruly passengers were of greater concern.

Santa Claus boarding a private jet.Tyler Olson/Shutterstock

Private aviation thrived in 2020 despite it being the worst time to travel in the modern era — here's a look at its wild year

This is good for deep-pocket customers who have found private aviation to be more affordable and convenient than they previously thought, especially during the pandemic when health safety and unruly passengers were of greater concern.

Private aviation thrived in 2020 despite it being the worst time to travel in the modern era — here's a look at its wild year

Because of the rise in popularity in private flying, as well as the HondaJet's size, Liotta explained the aircraft is a perfect fit for his business model.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Specifically, he said the four-seater plane is better for people traveling in small parties that don't want to pay for an entire six or eight-seater jet when they will only use a fraction of the space.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Specifically, he said the four-seater plane is better for people traveling in small parties that don't want to pay for an entire six or eight-seater jet when they will only use a fraction of the space.

“A lot of people were in a situation where they found their missions weren’t perfectly aligned with what the other airline’s business model was about,” he told Insider. “For example, having a lot of empty seats on the plane gave me anxiety. It isn’t about whether I could afford it, but it felt like I was wasting them.”

Inside a Bombardier Challenger 850 jet.Thomas Pallini/Insider

“A lot of people were in a situation where they found their missions weren’t perfectly aligned with what the other airline’s business model was about,” he told Insider. “For example, having a lot of empty seats on the plane gave me anxiety. It isn’t about whether I could afford it, but it felt like I was wasting them.”

Volato's hourly price for its HondaJet is $4,000 per hour, though travelers can own a fraction of the plane for as low as $350,000 and pay a lower hourly rate.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

A private airline using the HondaJet is launching charter flights starting at $4,000 per hour and just ordered 15 new planes

This means they pay $3,200 per hour, plus fuel, when they use the jet they own, as well as earn tax benefits. Moreover, they get a part of the revenue when their plane is chartered out to on-demand customers.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

This means they pay $3,200 per hour, plus fuel, when they use the jet they own, as well as earn tax benefits. Moreover, they get a part of the revenue when their plane is chartered out to on-demand customers.

Furthermore, there is no annual hourly commitment that owners must meet, which is common with other companies, like NetJets. So, there is less stress and anxiety to fly in the plane for a certain amount of hours each year.

A NetJets' Embraer Phenom 300E.Embraer Executive Jets

Furthermore, there is no annual hourly commitment that owners must meet, which is common with other companies, like NetJets. So, there is less stress and anxiety to fly in the plane for a certain amount of hours each year.

"At other companies, you tell them how many hours you plan to fly and they tell you what share size to buy, but with a five-year commitment, you have to have a good crystal ball to know what your usage will be," he explained.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

"At other companies, you tell them how many hours you plan to fly and they tell you what share size to buy, but with a five-year commitment, you have to have a good crystal ball to know what your usage will be," he explained.

"If you don't use enough hours, then you lose money, but if you use too many, then you take hours from a future year," he continued. "There is anxiety about getting that right, and I didn't want those hours hanging over customers' head. So, at Volato, you can fly as much or little as you want."

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

"If you don't use enough hours, then you lose money, but if you use too many, then you take hours from a future year," he continued. "There is anxiety about getting that right, and I didn't want those hours hanging over customers' head. So, at Volato, you can fly as much or little as you want."

As Volato's business strategy gains popularity across the US, I took a short demonstration flight on the company's HondaJet to learn more about what the plane has to offer customers.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

A private jet firm is using Honda's $5 million private jets to offer the wealthy a luxurious experience for less than the price of using larger planes

As Volato's business strategy gains popularity across the US, I took a short demonstration flight on the company's HondaJet to learn more about what the plane has to offer customers.

A private jet firm is using Honda's $5 million private jets to offer the wealthy a luxurious experience for less than the price of using larger planes

When I first walked out to the jet at New York's Westchester airport, I immediately noticed how small it was compared to other aircraft on the ramp. However, that did not take away from its modern look and amenities.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

When I first walked out to the jet at New York's Westchester airport, I immediately noticed how small it was compared to other aircraft on the ramp. However, that did not take away from its modern look and amenities.

Specifically, I was intrigued with the jet's unique placement of its GE Honda Aero Engines HF120 on the wings instead of attached to the fuselage.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

According to Brent Elum, Volato's vice president of customer engagement and service design, the engine placement reduces the noise in the cabin.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, because the engines are on the wings, then there is no indent in the fuselage, allowing for more space in cargo for passenger luggage.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

On the inside, Volato has taken a calculated approach to the interior of its HondaJet. As Liotta explained, most aircraft only have four seats, creating a roomy cabin…

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

On the inside, Volato has taken a calculated approach to the interior of its HondaJet. As Liotta explained, most aircraft only have four seats, creating a roomy cabin…

…and leaving plenty of space for a small galley.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

The galley was stocked with a variety of snacks and drinks, like cookies, soda, and alcohol.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

It also had a coffee pot and extra shelf space for any additional catering by the customer.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

As far as the seats, there are two rows facing each other with generous legroom in-between.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

I was impressed with the product's recline and plush padding that makes them perfectly comfortable for short and medium-haul flights.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

I also enjoyed being able to see my flight crew in the cockpit during the flight.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

According to Liotta, the company's pilots are some of the highest-paid flight crews in the industry. The aviators need 4,000 hours of experience to be considered for employment with Volato.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

According to Liotta, the company's pilots are some of the highest-paid flight crews in the industry. The aviators need 4,000 hours of experience to be considered for employment with Volato.

Other features onboard the HondaJet include a pull-out table large enough for a laptop, notebook, snacks, and drinks…

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

…two cupholders per seat…

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a small screen in the armrest that gives passengers flight information, like altitude and distance traveled.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

The touchscreen also lets passengers customize their flight experience, including adjusting the window shades, which can be fully closed…

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

…lighting and temperature...

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and surround sound music. I particularly enjoyed the jet's speakers, which added a fun ambiance to the journey. The screen can also be viewed on the customer's smartphone by connecting to the jet's WiFi and scanning a QR code kept in the armrest.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and surround sound music. I particularly enjoyed the jet's speakers, which added a fun ambiance to the journey. The screen can also be viewed on the customer's smartphone by connecting to the jet's WiFi and scanning a QR code kept in the armrest.

Meanwhile, the back of the plane features a roomy bathroom with a sink and toilet...

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

...and is separated from the rest of the cabin by pocket doors.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

The lavatory can also double as an additional belted seat for an extra passenger, increasing the jet's capacity to five, or can accommodate a pet.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

If a party wants a sixth passenger, there is an option for one person to sit in the first officer's seat in the cockpit.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

After the demo flight, I got the opportunity to see one of Volato's other HondaJets that has a slightly modified cabin.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Instead of four seats, the plane has five seats to offer to larger parties. The extra lounger is in the place of the galley and is separate from the other four.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

However, the jet still has a small galley with snacks and a drink cooler.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Also on the second variant were windows that could dim the cabin and block light from coming in, particularly if a customer is trying to sleep during a daytime flight.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Also on the second variant were windows that could dim the cabin and block light from coming in, particularly if a customer is trying to sleep during a daytime flight.

Overall, I was impressed with the HondaJet and see why it is a valuable asset to Volato. According to Liotta, through research, he found most people were doing trips with four or fewer people, which is why he chose the HondaJet.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, I was impressed with the HondaJet and see why it is a valuable asset to Volato. According to Liotta, through research, he found most people were doing trips with four or fewer people, which is why he chose the HondaJet.

"When we survey our customers, out of all the things that are different about our program, the number one thing they love about us is that we don't restrict their usage," he said.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

"When we survey our customers, out of all the things that are different about our program, the number one thing they love about us is that we don't restrict their usage," he said.

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I flew on Honda's $5 million private jet that seats 4 &mdash; see inside Volato's HondaJet

Most people have heard of Honda's best-selling line of cars and trucks, but many may not be aware the company has another noteworthy product — a private jet.

The appropriately named HondaJet is a small, light aircraft that first debuted in 2014 and is run by the Honda Aircraft Company, the carmaker's aviation arm.

The plane is known for its spacious cabin, speed, and range of about 1,500 nautical miles, allowing customers to fly nonstop between New York and more than half of the Lower 48.

In 2017, it became the best-selling light business aircraft in the world and got the attention of high-profile celebrities like Tom Cruise, who purchased a HondaJet Elite in 2019.

While the jet is small and relatively underutilized in the US compared to competitors like Embraer's Phenom 100, one entity sees it as the perfect workhorse.

Atlanta-based Volato is a private airline that was born during the pandemic and has become a popular option for deep-pocket travelers willing to pay more for modern amenities on its luxury private jets.

Specifically, the company has six Honda Elite planes in its fleet with another 16 on order. Volato expects to take its seventh aircraft in April and will have a total of 22 when the rest of the deliveries are fulfilled, CEO Matt Liotta told Insider.

Unfortunately for many companies, the high demand for private aviation has made it difficult to find planes. However, Liotta said that the company will not be impacted because it got its order in with Honda early.

This is good for deep-pocket customers who have found private aviation to be more affordable and convenient than they previously thought, especially during the pandemic when health safety and unruly passengers were of greater concern.

Because of the rise in popularity in private flying, as well as the HondaJet's size, Liotta explained the aircraft is a perfect fit for his business model.

Specifically, he said the four-seater plane is better for people traveling in small parties that don't want to pay for an entire six or eight-seater jet when they will only use a fraction of the space.

Volato's hourly price for its HondaJet is $4,000 per hour, though travelers can own a fraction of the plane for as low as $350,000 and pay a lower hourly rate.

This means they pay $3,200 per hour, plus fuel, when they use the jet they own, as well as earn tax benefits. Moreover, they get a part of the revenue when their plane is chartered out to on-demand customers.

Furthermore, there is no annual hourly commitment that owners must meet, which is common with other companies, like NetJets. So, there is less stress and anxiety to fly in the plane for a certain amount of hours each year.

"At other companies, you tell them how many hours you plan to fly and they tell you what share size to buy, but with a five-year commitment, you have to have a good crystal ball to know what your usage will be," he explained.

"If you don't use enough hours, then you lose money, but if you use too many, then you take hours from a future year," he continued. "There is anxiety about getting that right, and I didn't want those hours hanging over customers' head. So, at Volato, you can fly as much or little as you want."

As Volato's business strategy gains popularity across the US, I took a short demonstration flight on the company's HondaJet to learn more about what the plane has to offer customers.

When I first walked out to the jet at New York's Westchester airport, I immediately noticed how small it was compared to other aircraft on the ramp. However, that did not take away from its modern look and amenities.

Specifically, I was intrigued with the jet's unique placement of its GE Honda Aero Engines HF120 on the wings instead of attached to the fuselage.

According to Brent Elum, Volato's vice president of customer engagement and service design, the engine placement reduces the noise in the cabin.

Moreover, because the engines are on the wings, then there is no indent in the fuselage, allowing for more space in cargo for passenger luggage.

On the inside, Volato has taken a calculated approach to the interior of its HondaJet. As Liotta explained, most aircraft only have four seats, creating a roomy cabin…

…and leaving plenty of space for a small galley.

The galley was stocked with a variety of snacks and drinks, like cookies, soda, and alcohol.

It also had a coffee pot and extra shelf space for any additional catering by the customer.

As far as the seats, there are two rows facing each other with generous legroom in-between.

I was impressed with the product's recline and plush padding that makes them perfectly comfortable for short and medium-haul flights.

I also enjoyed being able to see my flight crew in the cockpit during the flight.

According to Liotta, the company's pilots are some of the highest-paid flight crews in the industry. The aviators need 4,000 hours of experience to be considered for employment with Volato.

Other features onboard the HondaJet include a pull-out table large enough for a laptop, notebook, snacks, and drinks…

…two cupholders per seat…

…and a small screen in the armrest that gives passengers flight information, like altitude and distance traveled.

The touchscreen also lets passengers customize their flight experience, including adjusting the window shades, which can be fully closed…

…lighting and temperature...

…and surround sound music. I particularly enjoyed the jet's speakers, which added a fun ambiance to the journey. The screen can also be viewed on the customer's smartphone by connecting to the jet's WiFi and scanning a QR code kept in the armrest.

Meanwhile, the back of the plane features a roomy bathroom with a sink and toilet...

...and is separated from the rest of the cabin by pocket doors.

The lavatory can also double as an additional belted seat for an extra passenger, increasing the jet's capacity to five, or can accommodate a pet.

If a party wants a sixth passenger, there is an option for one person to sit in the first officer's seat in the cockpit.

After the demo flight, I got the opportunity to see one of Volato's other HondaJets that has a slightly modified cabin.

Instead of four seats, the plane has five seats to offer to larger parties. The extra lounger is in the place of the galley and is separate from the other four.

However, the jet still has a small galley with snacks and a drink cooler.

Also on the second variant were windows that could dim the cabin and block light from coming in, particularly if a customer is trying to sleep during a daytime flight.

Overall, I was impressed with the HondaJet and see why it is a valuable asset to Volato. According to Liotta, through research, he found most people were doing trips with four or fewer people, which is why he chose the HondaJet.

"When we survey our customers, out of all the things that are different about our program, the number one thing they love about us is that we don't restrict their usage," he said.

I flew on Honda's $5 million private jet that seats 4 — see inside Volato's HondaJet