LAS VEGAS - GE Honda Aero Engines is exploring opportunities in the business aviation sector with an eye toward developing a new turbofan engine. While the company currently produces only the HF-120 engine used in the HondaJet HA-420, Company president Mel Solomon says the firm is studying the market for potential expansion into light and mid-size jet segments. Although no development is imminent, Solomon anticipates increased demand in the next five to seven years and notes a lack of current momentum in the very light jet (VLJ) market. The company is also considering future involvement in hybrid-electric propulsion, including supplying turbines as turbogenerators.

Despite the introduction of Honda Aircraft’s upcoming HA-480 Echelon light jet (set for certification in 2028), GE Honda Aero was unable to meet the development timeline, leading Honda to select Williams International FJ44 engines instead. Nevertheless, GE Honda Aero remains committed to supporting the HF-120 and the ongoing HondaJet program, which continues production. Solomon emphasizes the company's readiness to leverage its existing capabilities to pursue future engine development aligned with evolving aviation trends.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/engines/ge-honda-aero-evaluating-possible-future-launch-of-new-turbofan/164919.article
Author: Jon Hemmerdinger 

CINCINNATI, Ohio - GE Aerospace announced a new milestone with the upcoming shipment of its 500th Passport engine and the delivery of the first certified engines for Bombardier’s new Global 8000 business jet. The Passport engine, known for its high thrust and reliability, will power the Global 8000, now the world’s fastest business aircraft. This marks a continued collaboration between GE Aerospace and Bombardier, following their work on the Global 7500. Bombardier emphasized that the Global 8000’s design, including the Passport engine, not only enhances speed and range - up to 8,000 nautical miles - but also ensures a quieter and more comfortable passenger experience.

Melvyn Heard of GE Aerospace highlighted the engine’s performance and the company’s industry-leading customer support, with the Passport engine ranking #1 in AIN’s product support survey for the fourth consecutive year. The engine boasts a 99.9% dispatchability rate, indicating exceptional reliability in flight readiness. GE Aerospace attributes this success to sustained investments in service technologies, including over a decade of AI-enabled digital tools that enhance predictive maintenance.

Source: GE Aerospace
Associated URL: https://www.geaerospace.com/news/press-releases/ge-aerospace-shipping-500th-passport-engine

LINDSAY, Ontario - Horizon Aircraft, a Canadian eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) company, announced it will integrate Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6A engine into its hybrid-electric Cavorite X7 aircraft. Unlike many U.S. air taxi firms focusing solely on all-electric designs, Horizon is betting on hybrid-electric technology to offer operational advantages such as in-flight battery recharging, de-icing capabilities, and cabin heating. The Cavorite X7 is designed to carry up to seven passengers and travel up to 800 km, with Horizon targeting certification and production before 2030.

CEO Brandon Robinson highlighted that hybrid systems allow for more versatile performance and broader use cases, including emergency services, defense, and commercial operations. As the eVTOL industry races to secure regulatory approvals and scale up manufacturing, Horizon's hybrid approach positions it as a differentiated player in the market. The inclusion of the widely used PT6A engine, made by Pratt & Whitney Canada (a subsidiary of RTX), helps Horizon strengthen its supplier base and reliability credentials. The company currently has a market value of about $150 million.

Source: Reuters
Associated URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/canadas-horizon-aircraft-picks-pratt-whitney-engine-its-hybrid-aircraft-2025-10-14/
Author: Anshuman Tripathy