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Westwind II Midsize Jet Specifications and Charter Rates

The Westwind II is a twin-engine midsize business jet designed to deliver fast, efficient travel for up to eight passengers, with a high-speed cruise of 436 knots and a range of nearly 3,000 nautical miles. First introduced in the 1980s as an evolution of the original Westwind, this aircraft stands out for its fuel-efficient winglets, spacious interior, and ability to operate from shorter runways than most of its class.


For those seeking a versatile private jet that blends speed, range, and comfort, the Westwind II is a premier choice for mid-range charters and cross-country journeys. This profile explores its comprehensive performance specs, cabin amenities, practical range, indicative charter rates, and the most common questions answered for discerning travelers.

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Westwind II Overview

Sitting at the heart of the midsize jet category, the Westwind II offers a finely tuned balance of performance, range, and cabin space, ideal for corporate and private flyers alike. With its seating for up to eight in a typical executive layout, the cabin provides ample room to work or relax, while the jet's advanced aerodynamics and twin turbofan engines enable a cruise altitude up to 45,000 feet, bypassing commercial traffic and weather for a smooth, direct route.


The Westwind II is prized for its fuel efficiency and ability to access a wide array of airports, including those with shorter runways. Its mature platform and updated avionics ensure solid reliability, making it a favorite among operators who value dependable performance with manageable operating costs. For clients, this translates to a private jet that covers regional and coast-to-coast distances with comfort and efficiency.


Ongoing refinements and a legacy of robust engineering keep the Westwind II in steady demand on the charter market. Its configuration flexibility, competitive cost profile, and proven safety record make it a trusted solution for both business and leisure travel across continents.

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Westwind II 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 8 (typical), 9 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 2945 nautical miles (around 3390 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

436 knots (about 502 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 410 knots

Service ceiling:

45000 fee

Engines:

Two Honeywell TFE731-3-1G turbofans

Thrust:

Roughly 3700 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 5125 feet

Landing distance:

About 2150 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 243 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 49 cubic feet

First delivered:

1980s

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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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Westwind II Range and Performance

With a range approaching 3,000 nautical miles, the Westwind II excels on regional and transcontinental flights without a refueling stop. This covers key city pairs like New York to Denver, Miami to Toronto, Dallas to Los Angeles, or even London to Istanbul in a single nonstop segment, keeping reserves intact. | While longer routes such as New York to San Francisco are within reach, wind conditions or a full passenger cabin may require a brief fueling stop, which is typical for jets in this segment. The Westwind II's swift high-speed cruise and ability to climb directly to 45,000 feet ensure efficient, turbulence-free flights above crowded airspace. Short field performance, with a takeoff run of about 5,100 feet, allows access to more airports and brings travelers closer to their final destination. | For the majority of charter missions, this means faster, more convenient travel from city center to city center, minimizing ground transfers and maximizing time savings compared to commercial alternatives.

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Westwind II Cabin Experience and Interior

The Westwind II features a spacious, quiet cabin with a true stand-up height of nearly 5 feet 8 inches and a width of about 5 feet 7 inches, giving passengers room to move and relax during flight. | Its standard configuration seats eight in a double-club arrangement, with plush executive chairs and a three-seat divan for meetings or group travel. Expansive windows flood the cabin with natural light, while fold-out work tables and in-seat power enable productivity en route. | The cabin is designed for both privacy and comfort, offering a private aft lavatory and generous baggage space of 49 cubic feet—ideal for luggage, golf clubs, or skis. Many Westwind IIs have been upgraded with contemporary materials, premium finishes, and enhanced entertainment systems, ensuring a refined onboard experience. | For business or pleasure, the Westwind II transforms flight into a seamless, enjoyable part of your journey, with versatile space and amenities that rival larger jets.

Westwind II Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Westwind II typically runs in the range of $3500 to $4500 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 Westwind II 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 Westwind II?

The Westwind II 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 not intended for ultra-long-haul or intercontinental journeys, the Westwind II excels for small groups flying regional or transcontinental missions. For business teams, families, or friends seeking value in midsize jet travel, it delivers a superior blend of performance, comfort, and charter flexibility.

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How the Westwind II Compares to Other Midsize Jet

The Westwind II has its roots in the original Aero Commander Jet, which evolved through several iterations before the introduction of the Westwind series. In the late 1970s, Israel Aircraft Industries launched the Westwind II as a major upgrade, adding advanced winglets, more efficient engines, and improved avionics for greater range and lower operating costs.


The jet quickly became known for its reliability and innovative design, standing out in the midsize segment for its short-field capabilities and robust build. Gulfstream later acquired the type, continuing a legacy of thoughtful engineering and strong market presence. Today, the Westwind II remains a preferred choice for private jet charters worldwide, thanks to its proven performance and support network.


Ongoing enhancements over the decades have kept the Westwind II relevant and highly regarded, ensuring a loyal following among pilots, owners, and charter clients looking for a dependable and stylish midsize jet.

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Westwind II History and Background

The Westwind II has its roots in the original Aero Commander Jet, which evolved through several iterations before the introduction of the Westwind series. In the late 1970s, Israel Aircraft Industries launched the Westwind II as a major upgrade, adding advanced winglets, more efficient engines, and improved avionics for greater range and lower operating costs.


The jet quickly became known for its reliability and innovative design, standing out in the midsize segment for its short-field capabilities and robust build. Gulfstream later acquired the type, continuing a legacy of thoughtful engineering and strong market presence. Today, the Westwind II remains a preferred choice for private jet charters worldwide, thanks to its proven performance and support network.


Ongoing enhancements over the decades have kept the Westwind II relevant and highly regarded, ensuring a loyal following among pilots, owners, and charter clients looking for a dependable and stylish midsize jet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Westwind II Carry?

The Westwind II typically accommodates eight passengers in a double-club executive cabin, with some configurations allowing for a ninth seat. This layout is ideal for business groups, families, or mixed travel parties seeking both comfort and flexibility.

What Is the Range of the Westwind II?

The Westwind II has a range of approximately 2945 nautical miles, or roughly 3390 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 Westwind II Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 436 knots (about 502 mph), with a long-range cruise near 410 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 Westwind II?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $3500 and $4500 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 Westwind II Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes, the Westwind II offers a spacious stand-up cabin with nearly 5 feet 8 inches of height, a private aft lavatory, and a generous luggage capacity of 49 cubic feet, enabling passengers to move freely and enjoy true comfort in flight.

Is the Westwind II Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional and coast-to-coast U.S. routes, the Westwind II can fly nonstop, such as New York to Denver or Miami to Toronto. Extended headwinds or a full passenger load may require a brief stop on the longest domestic legs, which is standard for midsize jets.

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