HondaJet’s announcement this spring of an Elite S model comes as good news for smaller companies and enthusiasts everywhere. The new plane allows a bit more weight on board at takeoff compared with the HondaJet and HondaJet Elite, while options give pilots a new steering assist system, and an upsell software upgrade adds FAA DataComm and ACARS to the Elite’s avionics suite if desired.

The Elite S’s additional weight allowance brings the jet’s range up 120 nautical miles to a total of 1,437 if no additional passenger is taken onboard. What will pique the interest of pilots, however, is the text-based communications and efficiency potential of the plane’s avionics if FAA Data Comm and ACARS are optioned. COM3, for alternate dispatch info, is also offered. The Advanced Steering Augmentation System is designed to help out in both critical and non-critical situations.

The Elite S also features flashy new paint schemes and exterior styling customization.

Pricing starts at $5.4 million.