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BAe Avro RJ85 Airliner Specifications and Charter Rates

The BAe Avro RJ85 is a four-engine regional airliner renowned for its versatility and comfort, accommodating up to 100 passengers while cruising at 460 knots for journeys as far as 1,600 nautical miles. Introduced in the early 1990s as an evolution of the BAe 146, the RJ85 built its reputation on remarkable short-runway performance, spacious interiors, and the ability to access airports that many jets its size cannot.


For charter clients seeking group travel solutions, the RJ85 delivers a refined cabin, dependable performance, and the flexibility to operate into city-center airports with ease. On this page, you'll find full specifications, seating arrangements, range details, indicative charter pricing, and the most common questions travelers ask before booking this unique airliner.

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BAe Avro RJ85 Overview

The Avro RJ85 stands in the airliner category, prized for its blend of capacity, performance, and operational flexibility. Configured to seat up to 100 passengers, the RJ85 is ideal for group charters, corporate shuttles, and VIP events, offering customizable seating from all-economy to executive layouts. Its four Honeywell LF507 engines power the aircraft to a 31,000-foot service ceiling, enabling efficient routes over both short and medium distances.


The RJ85’s hallmark is its STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) capability, opening up a world of city-center airports and regional airfields. Its rugged design, quiet cabin, and proven reliability keep it in demand for private charters needing premium group travel without compromise.


Operators value its low approach speeds and ability to access challenging airports others can’t. For charter clients, the RJ85’s expansive cabin and range make it a top choice for team travel, music tours, and sports delegations, blending airline-level comfort with private flexibility.

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BAe Avro RJ85 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:

Airliner

Passenger capacity:

Up to 85 (typical), 100 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots, 3 cabin crew

Range:

Approximately 3650 nautical miles (around 4200 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

460 knots (about 530 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 410 knots

Service ceiling:

31000 fee

Engines:

Four Honeywell LF507 turbofans

Thrust:

Roughly 7000 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 4900 feet

Landing distance:

About 4300 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 710 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 14 cubic feet

First delivered:

Early 1990s

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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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BAe Avro RJ85 Range and Performance

With a practical range of up to 1,600 nautical miles, the Avro RJ85 is designed for regional and medium-haul flights, comfortably connecting city pairs such as London to Madrid, Paris to Rome, or New York to Dallas on a single tank. Its 460-knot high-speed cruise ensures swift journeys, while the RJ85’s short-field capability means it can operate into airports with runways as short as 4,900 feet—making it ideal for routes into urban centers and remote destinations alike. | The RJ85’s unique four-engine configuration delivers both power and redundancy, supporting impressive climb performance and dependable operations even from airports with steep approaches or noise restrictions. Its ability to land and take off from challenging fields grants access to a wider range of destinations compared to conventional airliners, reducing total travel time and maximizing itinerary flexibility for large groups. | For charter travelers, the result is a seamless, efficient experience—bypassing major hubs, arriving closer to final destinations, and enjoying a level of convenience unattainable on scheduled commercial flights.

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BAe Avro RJ85 Cabin Experience and Interior

The Avro RJ85 features a bright, spacious cabin designed for comfort on group flights of any duration. With a cabin height of 6 feet 1 inch and a width of 10 feet 2 inches, passengers enjoy generous headroom and aisle space, allowing for easy movement throughout the flight. | Standard seating accommodates up to 100 passengers in a single-class configuration, with options for fewer seats and enhanced legroom or VIP club-style seating for executive charters. The cabin is equipped with large panoramic windows, ample overhead storage, and advanced soundproofing for a quieter, more relaxing journey. | Onboard amenities can include in-flight entertainment, catering options, and dedicated lavatories, with many RJ85s offering recent refurbishments and luxury finishes to suit discerning travelers. The 14 cubic foot baggage hold is ideal for group luggage, sports equipment, or touring gear, while attentive cabin crew ensure a seamless in-flight experience from takeoff to landing.

BAe Avro RJ85 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a BAe Avro RJ85 typically runs in the range of $12000 to $15000 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 EASA/FAA Air Carrier 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 BAe Avro RJ85 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 BAe Avro RJ85?

The BAe Avro RJ85 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 RJ85 is not intended for ultra-long-haul flights, its unmatched group capacity and ability to access airports with shorter runways make it perfect for corporate shuttles, sports teams, event charters, and VIP delegations. For clients seeking premium group travel with personalized service and schedule flexibility, the Avro RJ85 stands out as a leader in its class.

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How the BAe Avro RJ85 Compares to Other Airliner

The Avro RJ85 traces its roots to the BAe 146, a trailblazing regional jet introduced in the early 1980s by British Aerospace. The RJ85 emerged in the early 1990s as a thoroughly updated variant, incorporating more efficient engines, advanced avionics, and enhanced passenger amenities.


Key improvements in the RJ85 included the introduction of Honeywell LF507 engines, digital flight deck systems, and a more refined, quieter cabin that set new standards for regional airliners. The aircraft’s ability to operate from short and challenging runways allowed it to serve unique city-center airports across Europe and beyond, expanding its appeal among airlines and charter operators alike.


Production of the RJ85 continued into the early 2000s, with the aircraft earning a loyal following for its reliability and operational flexibility. Today, the Avro RJ85 remains a trusted choice for private charters, offering airline-scale capacity with the bespoke experience expected in private aviation.

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BAe Avro RJ85 History and Background

The Avro RJ85 traces its roots to the BAe 146, a trailblazing regional jet introduced in the early 1980s by British Aerospace. The RJ85 emerged in the early 1990s as a thoroughly updated variant, incorporating more efficient engines, advanced avionics, and enhanced passenger amenities.


Key improvements in the RJ85 included the introduction of Honeywell LF507 engines, digital flight deck systems, and a more refined, quieter cabin that set new standards for regional airliners. The aircraft’s ability to operate from short and challenging runways allowed it to serve unique city-center airports across Europe and beyond, expanding its appeal among airlines and charter operators alike.


Production of the RJ85 continued into the early 2000s, with the aircraft earning a loyal following for its reliability and operational flexibility. Today, the Avro RJ85 remains a trusted choice for private charters, offering airline-scale capacity with the bespoke experience expected in private aviation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the BAe Avro RJ85 Carry?

The Avro RJ85 typically seats up to 100 passengers in an all-economy layout, with flexibility for executive or VIP arrangements as needed. The spacious cabin can be tailored for corporate groups, sports teams, or special event travel.

What Is the Range of the BAe Avro RJ85?

The BAe Avro RJ85 has a range of approximately 3650 nautical miles, or roughly 4200 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 BAe Avro RJ85 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 460 knots (about 530 mph), with a long-range cruise near 410 knots. The aircraft's 31000-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 BAe Avro RJ85?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $12000 and $15000 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 BAe Avro RJ85 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The RJ85’s cabin height of over 6 feet and wide aisle make it easy to stand and move around during flight. Multiple lavatories, ample baggage space, and attentive cabin crew further enhance onboard comfort.

Is the BAe Avro RJ85 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional and mid-range routes, absolutely. The RJ85 can connect key city pairs such as London to Madrid or New York to Dallas nonstop, with enough range for most group charter itineraries in North America or Europe.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including BAe Avro RJ85 jets operated by vetted EASA/FAA Air Carrier 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 BAe Avro RJ85, 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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