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Fairchild Metro III Airliner Specifications and Charter Rates

The Fairchild Metro III is a twin-turboprop regional airliner designed for efficient short- to medium-haul flights, accommodating up to 19 passengers with a cruise speed above 260 knots and a maximum range of over 2,400 nautical miles. First introduced in the late 1970s, the Metro III became celebrated for its reliable performance, robust build, and ability to access airports with shorter runways—making it a favorite for both scheduled and private charter operations.


For groups requiring flexible regional travel or connecting underserved destinations, the Metro III is a proven solution. On this page, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of its specifications, cabin configuration, operational capabilities, and what makes it a practical choice for charter flights.

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Fairchild Metro III Overview

The Fairchild Metro III is an airliner-class turboprop designed to serve regional routes with speed and versatility. With seating typically for 19 passengers in a high-density configuration, it offers ample capacity for corporate groups, sports teams, or private charters looking for a cost-effective and efficient travel solution. Its twin Garrett TPE331 engines enable operations at altitudes up to 25,000 feet, ensuring a smooth ride above most weather and turbulence.


This aircraft is valued for its operational economy, burning significantly less fuel than regional jets while maintaining competitive cruise speeds. Its relatively short takeoff and landing requirements open up access to smaller airports, giving operators the flexibility to reach a wider range of destinations and reducing total travel time for passengers.


The Metro III remains a sought-after platform due to its proven reliability and the ease of maintenance, supported by an extensive parts network. For charter clients, this means dependable service and a practical cabin perfectly suited for group travel across regional distances.

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Fairchild Metro III 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 19 (typical), 19 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 2434 nautical miles (around 2800 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

260 knots (about 300 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 230 knots

Service ceiling:

25000 fee

Engines:

Two Garrett TPE331 turboprop engines

Thrust:

Roughly 1100 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 3500 feet

Landing distance:

About 3200 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 120 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 3.5 cubic feet

First delivered:

Late 1970s

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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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Fairchild Metro III Range and Performance

Offering a range of approximately 2,400 nautical miles, the Fairchild Metro III is ideally suited for regional routes, linking city pairs such as Dallas to Chicago, Atlanta to New York, or Paris to Prague with ease. Its fuel-efficient turboprop engines enable swift climbs to optimal cruise altitudes, while the aircraft’s 260-knot high-speed cruise ensures competitive travel times on every leg. | Thanks to its ability to operate from runways as short as 3,500 feet, the Metro III extends access to secondary airports and remote destinations. This operational flexibility streamlines travel by bringing passengers closer to their final destinations and minimizing ground transfer times. | Whether flying for business or leisure, the Metro III’s combination of range, speed, and short-field performance delivers a regional charter experience that maximizes convenience and productivity.

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Fairchild Metro III Cabin Experience and Interior

The Metro III’s cabin is designed for practical comfort, accommodating up to 19 passengers in a single-aisle layout with tailored seating for group travel. The interior features ergonomic seats, overhead storage, and large windows to enhance the in-flight environment. | Though the aisle is compact for an airliner, passengers benefit from easy boarding and quick deplaning. The aircraft includes basic amenities suitable for short to medium-haul journeys, with options for catering and in-flight service tailored to client needs. | While baggage capacity is limited at around 3.5 cubic feet, it is sufficient for carry-on items and essentials. The Metro III’s straightforward, functional cabin ensures a comfortable and efficient journey for groups seeking value and reliability.

Fairchild Metro III Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Fairchild Metro III typically runs in the range of $2200 to $3200 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 135 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 Fairchild Metro III 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 Fairchild Metro III?

The Fairchild Metro III 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

The Metro III is not designed for long-haul or luxury transcontinental flights, nor does it offer the amenities of larger business jets. However, for regional charters with 10 to 19 passengers, it provides an unbeatable combination of cost-efficiency, reliability, and access to smaller airfields.

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How the Fairchild Metro III Compares to Other Airliner

The Fairchild Metro III was developed in the late 1970s as an evolution of the successful Metro II, building on its predecessor’s reputation for efficiency and durability. The Metro III introduced more powerful engines and aerodynamic improvements, allowing for increased speed, range, and payload—key factors in its widespread adoption by regional airlines and charter operators worldwide.


Notably, its robust airframe and proven performance in demanding environments made the Metro III a mainstay in both scheduled passenger service and private charter fleets. Over time, the aircraft has been continuously updated to meet modern operational and safety standards, ensuring its continued relevance in the regional airliner market.


Today, the Metro III stands as a testament to Fairchild’s legacy of practical, reliable aircraft design and remains a preferred choice for efficient group travel across short and medium distances.

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Fairchild Metro III History and Background

The Fairchild Metro III was developed in the late 1970s as an evolution of the successful Metro II, building on its predecessor’s reputation for efficiency and durability. The Metro III introduced more powerful engines and aerodynamic improvements, allowing for increased speed, range, and payload—key factors in its widespread adoption by regional airlines and charter operators worldwide.


Notably, its robust airframe and proven performance in demanding environments made the Metro III a mainstay in both scheduled passenger service and private charter fleets. Over time, the aircraft has been continuously updated to meet modern operational and safety standards, ensuring its continued relevance in the regional airliner market.


Today, the Metro III stands as a testament to Fairchild’s legacy of practical, reliable aircraft design and remains a preferred choice for efficient group travel across short and medium distances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Fairchild Metro III Carry?

The Fairchild Metro III typically seats up to 19 passengers in a single-aisle layout, making it ideal for group charters, corporate shuttles, and regional airline operations.

What Is the Range of the Fairchild Metro III?

The Fairchild Metro III has a range of approximately 2434 nautical miles, or roughly 2800 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 Fairchild Metro III Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 260 knots (about 300 mph), with a long-range cruise near 230 knots. The aircraft's 25000-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 Fairchild Metro III?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2200 and $3200 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 Fairchild Metro III Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The Metro III features a functional interior with overhead storage and a compact aisle, providing easy access for passengers. Its practical cabin design is tailored for efficient boarding and in-flight comfort on shorter routes.

Is the Fairchild Metro III Good for Transcontinental Flights?

Absolutely. The Metro III’s range and short-field performance allow it to serve a wide array of regional destinations, including many airports inaccessible to jets, making it a highly flexible charter solution.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Fairchild Metro III jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 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 Fairchild Metro III, 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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