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Airbus A318 Elite VIP Airliner Specifications and Charter Rates

The Airbus A318 Elite redefines luxury travel with a bespoke VIP airliner experience, designed for up to 19 passengers who demand the ultimate in comfort, privacy, and space. Featuring a range of up to 4,200 nautical miles and a cruising speed of 450 knots, this aircraft transforms long-haul journeys into seamless, lavish escapes tailored to your schedule.


From its expansive, ultra-quiet cabin to advanced engineering and world-class amenities, the A318 Elite is the aircraft of choice for discerning travelers, heads of state, and corporate leaders. This profile covers the aircraft's distinguished features, onboard experience, performance, and everything you need to know when considering the A318 Elite for your next private charter.

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Airbus A318 Elite Overview

Sitting at the apex of the VIP airliner category, the Airbus A318 Elite offers a unique blend of commercial-sized luxury and private jet flexibility. With generous seating, a configurable cabin, and a full suite of business and entertainment amenities, it is engineered for intercontinental range and comfort. Twin high-bypass turbofan engines power the Elite to a 39,000-foot ceiling, ensuring smooth, swift flights above most weather and traffic.


Clients choose the A318 Elite for exclusive group travel, executive roadshows, or family journeys where space, privacy, and full-service amenities are paramount. Its impressive fuel efficiency, short-field performance, and robust global support make it a premier choice for those who expect nothing less than excellence.


The A318 Elite continues to set benchmarks for in-flight luxury, offering a fully customizable cabin and a flight experience that rivals the world’s finest five-star hotels.

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Airbus A318 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, 2–3 cabin attendants

Range:

Approximately 7778 nautical miles (around 8970 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

450 knots (about 518 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 420 knots

Service ceiling:

39000 fee

Engines:

Two CFM56-5B9/P turbofans

Thrust:

Roughly 24000 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 5100 feet

Landing distance:

About 4800 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 400 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 12.2 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 A318 Elite Range and Performance

With a non-stop range of up to 4,200 nautical miles, the Airbus A318 Elite effortlessly connects continents, linking destinations such as New York to London, Dubai to Paris, or Beijing to Singapore without the need for refueling. Its powerful CFM56 engines and optimized aerodynamics enable swift, smooth climbs to cruising altitude and efficient long-range cruise. | The A318 Elite’s ability to operate from airports with shorter runways—requiring just over 5,000 feet for takeoff and under 5,000 feet for landing—opens up a wider network of airports, allowing you to arrive closer to your final destination, bypassing the congestion of major hubs. | With a maximum cruising speed of 450 knots and a 39,000-foot service ceiling, the A318 Elite offers a quiet, comfortable ride well above commercial traffic and weather, ensuring a tranquil and productive journey for VIP travelers. The aircraft’s robust design and global support network provide exceptional reliability, making it a top choice for long-distance luxury travel.

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Airbus A318 Elite Cabin Experience and Interior

The Airbus A318 Elite’s cabin is a masterpiece of private aviation, offering a true stand-up interior with over 7 feet of height and nearly 12 feet of width—providing unmatched space and flexibility for up to 19 guests. The bespoke layout includes a forward lounge, private stateroom, dedicated dining and conference areas, and a luxurious en-suite lavatory. | Seating is fully lie-flat and can be configured for work, relaxation, or entertainment, with advanced soundproofing and ambient lighting ensuring a serene environment throughout your journey. | Every detail is crafted for comfort and exclusivity, from the finest materials and custom finishes to state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and high-speed connectivity. The A318 Elite’s generous baggage hold accommodates everything from golf bags to designer luggage, making it the perfect solution for both business and leisure travelers.

Airbus A318 Elite Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Airbus A318 Elite typically runs in the range of $14000 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 / Worldwide Charter 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 A318 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 A318 Elite?

The Airbus A318 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 A318 Elite excels on long-haul international missions and group travel, smaller jets may be more cost-effective for short regional flights or solo executives. For occasions demanding the ultimate in space, privacy, and bespoke service—such as global roadshows, diplomatic delegations, or family celebrations—the A318 Elite stands unrivaled.

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How the Airbus A318 Elite Compares to Other VIP Airliner

Launched as the most exclusive member of the Airbus corporate jet family, the A318 Elite made its debut in the mid-2000s as a purpose-built VIP airliner derived from the commercial A318 platform. Its introduction marked a new era, offering the range and comfort of a large-cabin jet with the reliability and support of Airbus’s proven airliner heritage.


The A318 Elite rapidly gained popularity among heads of state, multinational corporations, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking a spacious, customizable aircraft for global travel. Its advanced avionics, robust airframe, and flexible cabin design set a new benchmark in private aviation, with only a select number produced to ensure exclusivity.


Today, the A318 Elite is regarded as a symbol of status and sophistication, combining modern technology with timeless comfort for the world’s most discerning clientele.

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Airbus A318 Elite History and Background

Launched as the most exclusive member of the Airbus corporate jet family, the A318 Elite made its debut in the mid-2000s as a purpose-built VIP airliner derived from the commercial A318 platform. Its introduction marked a new era, offering the range and comfort of a large-cabin jet with the reliability and support of Airbus’s proven airliner heritage.


The A318 Elite rapidly gained popularity among heads of state, multinational corporations, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking a spacious, customizable aircraft for global travel. Its advanced avionics, robust airframe, and flexible cabin design set a new benchmark in private aviation, with only a select number produced to ensure exclusivity.


Today, the A318 Elite is regarded as a symbol of status and sophistication, combining modern technology with timeless comfort for the world’s most discerning clientele.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Airbus A318 Elite Carry?

The Airbus A318 Elite is typically configured for 16 to 19 passengers, with fully reclining seats, a private stateroom, and multiple lounge areas designed for both business and relaxation.

What Is the Range of the Airbus A318 Elite?

The Airbus A318 Elite has a range of approximately 7778 nautical miles, or roughly 8970 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 A318 Elite Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 450 knots (about 518 mph), with a long-range cruise near 420 knots. The aircraft's 39000-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 A318 Elite?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $14000 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 A318 Elite Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Absolutely. The A318 Elite features a true stand-up cabin with over 7 feet of height and nearly 12 feet of width, a private en-suite lavatory, and ample baggage space for luxury travel.

Is the Airbus A318 Elite Good for Transcontinental Flights?

Yes, the A318 Elite is engineered for non-stop intercontinental flights, connecting major business and leisure destinations such as New York to London or Dubai to Paris with ease and comfort.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Airbus A318 Elite jets operated by vetted FAA Part 125 / EASA / Worldwide Charter 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 A318 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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