Honda Aircraft Company customers Julian and Kim MacQueen returned to their home in Pensacola, Florida, completing their “Around the World in 80 Stays” journey in their HondaJet, covering 28 different countries. This marked the first around-the-world flight for HondaJet, demonstrating its capability, reliability and performance in a host of conditions around the globe. The trip covered 24,500 nautical miles (over 44,000 km), 44 airports and 80 flight hours.
As leaders in the hospitality industry, the MacQueens used the tour, in part, for research related to their business, visiting hotels in various cultures. Opportunities to see the HondaJet were provided in the world through static displays and demo flights.
“I am pleased to welcome our esteemed customers back to the United States and excited to see the spirit of adventure Julian and Kim demonstrated with their HondaJet. The HondaJet enriches people’s lives in various ways and I hope HondaJet continues to create new value for people,” said Honda Aircraft President & CEO Michimasa Fujino. “A great many people around the world who saw the HondaJet in person showed a high level of interest and their excitement has been remarkable.”
“The trip was the perfect opportunity to gain exposure to different cultures, fascinating people and awe-inspiring accommodations—all from the quiet and efficient comfort of our HondaJet,” said Julian MacQueen. “We selected the HondaJet for this world tour based on its innovative design and quality promise—we couldn’t be happier with this decision.”
Along the way, the MacQueens compiled an impressive list of achievements in their HondaJet. They set five speed records, including Pensacola, Florida to Greensboro, North Carolina; Keflavik, Iceland to Shannon, Ireland; Shannon, Ireland to Lisbon, Portugal; Ammon, Jordan to Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Khabarovsk, Russia to Anchorage, Alaska.
The HondaJet is the fastest, highest-flying, quietest, and most fuel-efficient jet in its class. The HondaJet incorporates many technological innovations in aviation design, including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration that dramatically improves performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. The OTWEM design also reduces cabin sound, minimizes ground-detected noise, and allows for the roomiest cabin in its class, the largest baggage capacity, and a fully serviceable private aft lavatory. The HondaJet is equipped with the most sophisticated glass flight deck available in any light business jet, a Honda-customized Garmin® G3000 The HondaJet is Honda’s first commercial aircraft and lives up to the company’s reputation for superior performance, efficiency, quality and value.
Honda Aircraft Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Founded in 2006, Honda Aircraft’s world headquarters is located in North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation. The challenging spirit upon which Mr. Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is alive today as Honda Aircraft fulfills one of Honda’s longstanding dreams to advance human mobility skyward.