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Airbus 318 Elite VIP Airliner Specifications and Charter Rates

The Airbus 318 Elite is a VIP-configured airliner designed for travelers who demand the utmost in space, comfort, and privacy while crossing continents. This exclusive jet delivers exceptional range, speed, and an expansive cabin layout, making it a favorite for heads of state, high-profile executives, and discerning families who value a seamless, premium flying experience.


With the ability to travel non-stop on intercontinental routes, the 318 Elite combines the reliability of Airbus engineering with a bespoke interior crafted for productivity and relaxation. Explore detailed performance figures, cabin configurations, mission flexibility, and everything you need to know before booking this world-class jet for your next journey.

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Airbus 318 Elite Overview

The Airbus 318 Elite stands at the pinnacle of the VIP airliner category, offering a unique blend of widebody space and long-range capability. Seating configurations typically accommodate 14 to 19 guests in a layout that mirrors a luxury apartment, complete with dedicated lounge, dining, and private suite areas. Powered by twin CFM56-5B9/P engines, the aircraft can cruise at altitudes above commercial traffic, delivering a serene, uninterrupted flight experience.


What truly sets the 318 Elite apart is its flexibility to serve both business and leisure travelers. Its robust airframe and advanced avionics ensure reliable operations worldwide, while its low cabin altitude and minimal noise levels create a calm, relaxing environment for every passenger on board.


Owners and charter clients choose the 318 Elite for the ability to customize every aspect of the journey, from gourmet catering to personal flight attendants, ensuring each flight is both productive and indulgent. The aircraft’s efficiency and reliability make it a standout for those who require transcontinental reach without sacrificing the comforts of a five-star hotel.

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Airbus 318 Elite Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

VIP Airliner

Passenger capacity:

Up to 16 (typical), 19 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots, 1–3 flight attendants

Range:

Approximately 4603 nautical miles (around 5300 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

470 knots (about 541 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 430 knots

Service ceiling:

41000 fee

Engines:

Two CFM56-5B9/P turbofans

Thrust:

Roughly 23300 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 5840 feet

Landing distance:

About 4040 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 687 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 128 cubic feet

First delivered:

Mid-2000s

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Airbus 318 Elite Range and Performance

The Airbus 318 Elite offers an impressive range of approximately 4,600 nautical miles, providing seamless connections on nonstop routes such as New York to London, Paris to Dubai, or Los Angeles to Honolulu. With its efficient fuel consumption and advanced wing design, the 318 Elite handles both short and long-haul missions with ease, making it a true global jet. | Its 470-knot cruise speed ensures swift travel times, while a high service ceiling allows for routing above weather and commercial traffic, guaranteeing a smooth ride for every guest. The aircraft’s short-field performance further expands its access to exclusive airports, so you can fly closer to your final destination in ultimate comfort. | From continental crossings to intercontinental flights, the 318 Elite is engineered to maximize both convenience and luxury, ensuring that your journey is as enjoyable as your arrival.

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Airbus 318 Elite Cabin Experience and Interior

The Airbus 318 Elite redefines in-flight luxury with its expansive, customizable cabin. Passengers enjoy a true stand-up environment, with a height of over 7 feet and a width exceeding 12 feet, providing ample room to move, socialize, and relax. | Standard layouts feature a private master suite with a full-sized bed and shower, an elegantly appointed lounge area, a formal dining space, and a fully equipped galley for gourmet meal preparation. Oversized windows bathe the cabin in natural light, while advanced soundproofing ensures a tranquil atmosphere throughout the flight. | Every detail is tailored to the needs of the most discerning travelers, from plush, fully reclining leather seats to high-speed Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. With luggage capacity to accommodate extended journeys and dedicated crew delivering personalized service, the 318 Elite transforms travel into an unforgettable experience.

Airbus 318 Elite Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Airbus 318 Elite typically runs in the range of $12000 to $18000 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 125 / EASA AOC and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Airbus 318 Elite down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Airbus 318 Elite?

The Airbus 318 Elite fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

While the Airbus 318 Elite is not ideal for short regional hops or landing at very small airfields, it is unrivaled for long-range missions where space, privacy, and bespoke service are paramount. For groups requiring a flying office, family retreat, or diplomatic transport, the 318 Elite delivers a level of luxury and flexibility unmatched by smaller jets.

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How the Airbus 318 Elite Compares to Other VIP Airliner

The Airbus 318 Elite was developed from the successful A320 family, leveraging a proven airframe and advanced systems to create a dedicated VIP platform. Introduced in the mid-2000s, it quickly became the preferred choice for private owners, governments, and charter operators seeking an airliner-sized jet with intercontinental range.


Key innovations included a reinforced structure for extended range, enhanced avionics for global operations, and a cabin designed from the outset for bespoke interior layouts. Airbus collaborated with top designers and completion centers to ensure every Elite was unique, reflecting the tastes and requirements of its owner.


The model’s production continued for over a decade, with a select number of aircraft entering service around the world. Today, the 318 Elite remains highly sought after on the charter market, prized for its reliability, comfort, and enduring value in the VIP airliner segment.

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Airbus 318 Elite History and Background

The Airbus 318 Elite was developed from the successful A320 family, leveraging a proven airframe and advanced systems to create a dedicated VIP platform. Introduced in the mid-2000s, it quickly became the preferred choice for private owners, governments, and charter operators seeking an airliner-sized jet with intercontinental range.


Key innovations included a reinforced structure for extended range, enhanced avionics for global operations, and a cabin designed from the outset for bespoke interior layouts. Airbus collaborated with top designers and completion centers to ensure every Elite was unique, reflecting the tastes and requirements of its owner.


The model’s production continued for over a decade, with a select number of aircraft entering service around the world. Today, the 318 Elite remains highly sought after on the charter market, prized for its reliability, comfort, and enduring value in the VIP airliner segment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Airbus 318 Elite Carry?

The Airbus 318 Elite typically seats 16 passengers in a VIP configuration, with some layouts accommodating up to 19 guests. The interior is fully customizable, ranging from private suites and lounges to boardroom-style meeting spaces, adapting easily to the needs of executive groups or families.

What Is the Range of the Airbus 318 Elite?

The Airbus 318 Elite has a range of approximately 4603 nautical miles, or roughly 5300 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Airbus 318 Elite Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 470 knots (about 541 mph), with a long-range cruise near 430 knots. The aircraft's 41000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Airbus 318 Elite?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $12000 and $18000 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Airbus 318 Elite Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The 318 Elite boasts a true stand-up cabin with over 7 feet of height and includes a private en-suite bathroom, shower, and expansive baggage hold that accommodates luggage for extended trips.

Is the Airbus 318 Elite Good for Transcontinental Flights?

Absolutely. With its 4,600+ nautical mile range, the 318 Elite can easily connect major global cities such as New York to London or Paris to Dubai without refueling, even with a full complement of passengers and crew.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Airbus 318 Elite jets operated by vetted FAA Part 125 / EASA AOC Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Airbus 318 Elite, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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