VIP airliners carry the Long Island groups that are too large for any business jet, such as a sports team, a wedding party or a company event.
Airbus introduced the ACJ318 in 2005. It seats 14 to 19 with a published range of 4,200 nautical miles and a cruise of Mach 0.78 (~448 knots). The aircraft has a service ceiling of 41,000 feet, 430 cubic feet of baggage volume and an enclosed lavatory.

Performance and Cabin
- Category: VIP Airliner
- Manufacturer: Airbus Corporate Jets
- Year introduced: 2005
- Seating: 14 to 19
- Crew: 2
- Range: 4,200 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.78 (~448 knots)
- Service ceiling: 41,000 feet
- Length: 103.2 feet
- Wingspan: 111.9 feet
- Height: 41.3 feet
- Baggage volume: 430 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Enclosed
Why the Airbus ACJ318 Fits Long Island
With 4,200 nautical miles of published range, it covers trips from Long Island to destinations such as Palm Beach, Cancun and Paris, allowing for reserves and routing. Many Long Island clients winter in Florida, and the weeks around the holidays are busy for flights south, so book early.
For the Hamptons, an aircraft this size usually uses Gabreski in Westhampton Beach, the larger of the two East End airports, and for the rest of the island it usually flies from Republic or MacArthur. Whether the aircraft can use a particular airport on your date is up to the operator for that aircraft, its weight and the conditions that day, and your advisor confirms it before anything is booked.
How Long Island Clients Use the Airbus ACJ318
VIP airliners handle the Long Island groups that no business jet can take, such as a sports team, a large wedding party or a company event. Once the group runs past nineteen passengers, the trip no longer falls under FAR Part 135, the FAA’s rules for on-demand, for-hire charter. Those flights operate under FAR Part 121 or a foreign equivalent, which generally carries stricter crew and operating requirements than both Part 91 and Part 135.
Tell us the route, the group and the bags, golf clubs and beach gear included, and your advisor will tell you whether this aircraft fits or suggest a better one.
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
- Estimated hourly rate: $16,000 to $22,000 (as of 10/2026)
Other VIP Airliners Available
- Airbus ACJ318 Elite
- Airbus ACJ319
- Airbus ACJ320
- Airbus ACJ321
- Boeing 727-251 VIP
- Boeing 737-200 (VIP)
Contact
For a quote on an Airbus ACJ318 charter to or from Long Island, call an advisor at 1-888-987-5387, or send the trip through our contact page. You can read how we review operators and crews on our safety page, and compare other categories in the aircraft gallery.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.