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IAI Astra Midsize Jet Specifications and Charter Rates

The IAI Astra is a midsize, twin-engine business jet designed for travelers who demand performance, efficiency, and luxury on every journey. With a sleek design and impressive range, it easily accommodates up to nine passengers in refined comfort, cruising at high speeds for seamless city-to-city travel.


Whether flying for business or leisure, the Astra’s advanced engineering and spacious interior ensure you arrive refreshed and ready. Discover full performance specs, cabin amenities, range maps, and key charter insights for this celebrated jet below.

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IAI Astra Overview

The IAI Astra belongs to the midsize class—valued for its exceptional blend of range, speed, and comfort. With seating for up to nine passengers, the Astra’s elegantly designed cabin is ideal for business meetings, relaxation, or productive work during flights of three to five hours. Powered by two robust Garrett TFE731 turbofan engines, it soars up to a 45,000-foot ceiling, bypassing commercial congestion and turbulence for a smooth, uninterrupted ride.


This jet’s enduring popularity stems from its superb efficiency and reliability. It consumes less fuel than many competitors while offering a longer range, making last-minute charters and demanding itineraries effortless. Operators appreciate its proven platform and robust systems—clients enjoy a premium experience at competitive rates, perfect for both regional and transcontinental missions.


The Astra’s strong support network and time-tested performance ensure seamless operations, making it a trusted favorite for discerning private flyers who expect nothing less than excellence in the midsize segment.

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IAI Astra 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:

Midsize Jet

Passenger capacity:

Up to 7 (typical), 9 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 3749 nautical miles (around 4315 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

460 knots (about 529 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 420 knots

Service ceiling:

45000 fee

Engines:

Two Garrett TFE731 turbofans

Thrust:

Roughly 3700 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 5250 feet

Landing distance:

About 4362 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 254 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 64 cubic feet

First delivered:

1986

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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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IAI Astra Range and Performance

With a range of approximately 3,749 nautical miles, the IAI Astra is built for nonstop, coast-to-coast and transcontinental journeys. It easily connects markets such as New York to San Francisco, Miami to Seattle, or London to Cairo on a single tank, maintaining generous reserves for peace of mind. | Long-haul domestic and select international routes are well within its comfort zone, and the Astra’s impressive performance means fewer technical stops and shorter overall travel time. The advanced wing design, high-speed cruise of 460 knots, and powerful engines combine to deliver rapid, reliable flights, while the 45,000-foot ceiling lets crews fly above most weather and traffic. | Efficient takeoff and landing requirements, with a field length of around 5,250 feet, open up access to a variety of airports—including exclusive executive or regional fields closer to your final destination. For private flyers, this means maximizing productivity and minimizing downtime, every trip.

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IAI Astra Cabin Experience and Interior

The Astra’s cabin offers a luxurious, full stand-up environment, measuring nearly 5 feet 8 inches high and 5 feet 7 inches wide, so guests can move freely throughout the flight. | Standard configurations accommodate seven in a double-club seating layout, with some aircraft offering a three-seat divan for groups of up to nine. Flexible arrangements make it equally suitable for executive teams or families seeking comfort and privacy. | Onboard amenities include plush, ergonomic seating, fold-out work tables, ample windows for natural light, and a private aft lavatory. Many Astras have been tastefully modernized with new finishes, in-flight connectivity, and entertainment upgrades—ensuring a sophisticated and productive environment for every passenger. | A generous baggage compartment of 64 cubic feet easily fits golf clubs, skis, and luggage for a full complement. Whether for business or leisure, the quiet, well-appointed cabin transforms travel time into a truly premium experience.

IAI Astra Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a IAI Astra typically runs in the range of $3900 to $4800 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 IAI Astra 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 IAI Astra?

The IAI Astra 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 IAI Astra is not intended for ultra-long international flights beyond its range, nor is it ideal for solo travelers on very short hops, it truly excels for groups of four to nine passengers seeking efficient, cross-country or regional travel in style and comfort.

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How the IAI Astra Compares to Other Midsize Jet

The IAI Astra traces its heritage to the Israeli aerospace industry’s innovative approach to business aviation in the 1980s, evolving from the successful Westwind family. Introduced in 1986, the Astra was conceived as a modernized, high-performance jet with advanced aerodynamics and a larger, more comfortable cabin.


Key advancements included the adoption of a supercritical wing, improved avionics, and a refined pressurization system that enhanced passenger comfort at altitude. The aircraft quickly earned a reputation for its range, speed, and reliability, making it a favorite among discerning private operators and corporate flight departments.


Over time, the Astra spawned variants such as the SPX and Gulfstream G100, each incorporating further enhancements. Today, the Astra stands as a testament to enduring design and engineering, offering a proven, well-supported platform that continues to excel in the midsize jet market worldwide.

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IAI Astra History and Background

The IAI Astra traces its heritage to the Israeli aerospace industry’s innovative approach to business aviation in the 1980s, evolving from the successful Westwind family. Introduced in 1986, the Astra was conceived as a modernized, high-performance jet with advanced aerodynamics and a larger, more comfortable cabin.


Key advancements included the adoption of a supercritical wing, improved avionics, and a refined pressurization system that enhanced passenger comfort at altitude. The aircraft quickly earned a reputation for its range, speed, and reliability, making it a favorite among discerning private operators and corporate flight departments.


Over time, the Astra spawned variants such as the SPX and Gulfstream G100, each incorporating further enhancements. Today, the Astra stands as a testament to enduring design and engineering, offering a proven, well-supported platform that continues to excel in the midsize jet market worldwide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the IAI Astra Carry?

The IAI Astra typically seats seven passengers in a double-club executive layout, with some configurations accommodating up to nine by including a divan. This versatile arrangement is ideal for business, leisure, or mixed travel parties.

What Is the Range of the IAI Astra?

The IAI Astra has a range of approximately 3749 nautical miles, or roughly 4315 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 IAI Astra Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 460 knots (about 529 mph), with a long-range cruise near 420 knots. The aircraft's 45000-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 IAI Astra?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $3900 and $4800 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 IAI Astra Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Absolutely. The Astra features a full stand-up cabin nearly 5 feet 8 inches tall and 5 feet 7 inches wide, allowing passengers to move about comfortably. It also offers a private aft lavatory and a spacious 64 cubic foot baggage hold.

Is the IAI Astra Good for Transcontinental Flights?

Yes, the Astra’s long range covers the majority of coast-to-coast routes in the U.S. and many international city pairs. For the longest intercontinental flights, a technical stop may be required, which is standard for midsize jets operating at maximum capacity.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including IAI Astra 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 IAI Astra, 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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