De Havilland Canada

DHC-8-Q400 for charter

Charter DHC-8-Q400 – explore specs, range, speed, dimensions & compare with similar private jets

Charter Price per Hour$4 600 – $6 600
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Aircraft Info

Model:
DHC-8-Q400
Family:
DHC-8-4xx
Manufacturer:
De Havilland Canada
Aircraft Class:
Airliner
ICAO/IATA Codes:
DH8D/DH4
Number Built:
630
Single Pilot Operations:
No
  • Popularity85
  • Reliability85
  • Comfort35

Performance

Service Ceiling:
25 000 ft 7 620 m
Max Takeoff Weight:
65 200 lbs 29 574 kg
Engine Type:
2× Turboprop
Typical Engine:
2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A
Typical Avionics:
Dash 8 flight deck
Long Range Cruise Speed:
335 kts 620 km/h
Max Cruise Speed:
360 kts 667 km/h

Range & Payload

Estimated Max Flight Time:
4.5 h
Max Range:
1 102 nmi 2 040 km
Fuel Burn Rate:
2 425 lb/h 1 100 kg/h
Max Payload:
18 572 lbs 8 424 kg

DHC-8-Q400 Cabin Plan

Max passengers:
90
Sleeping Places:
0
  • Hot meal
  • Lavatory
  • Cabin crew

Airframe

Aircraft Height:
27.36 ft 8.34 m
Aircraft Length:
107.74 ft 32.84 m
Wingspan:
93.24 ft 28.42 m
Cabin Zones:
1 main passenger cabin, typically 2-2 seating; forward boarding/galley area, lavatory and separate baggage compartment
Doors:
Main passenger entrance, separate service/baggage access and emergency exits; exact arrangement requires subtype configuration
Baggage Compartment:
Dedicated baggage hold and cabin hand-baggage stowage; allowance depends on operator and load
Airstairs:
Aircraft-specific boarding arrangement

Charter Costs for the DHC-8-Q400

Price per Hour

Charter Price per Hour
$4 600 – $6 600

Owning Price

Buying Price (new)
$27M – $33M
Pre-owned Price Range
$8M – $22M

Charter Costs

Cost per NM
$15.96
Direct Operating Cost (DOC)/h
$2 310 – $3 610
Annual Cost of Ownership
$1.22M – $1.89M
Cost per Seat-Mile
$0.13 – $0.18

Total Annual Variable Costs

At 200 hours
$592 000
At 350 hours
$1.04M

Total Fixed Cost

At 200 hours
$518 000
At 350 hours
$518 000

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These route prices are estimates. The final quote will be provided by your manager and may vary depending on aircraft availability, travel dates, airport fees, and additional services.

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Passengers

DHC-8-Q400 Description

Have you ever noticed how some planes hit that perfect balance between power and practicality? That’s exactly what the DHC-8-Q400 does. Forget what you think you know about turboprops; this plane changes the game for regional travel with ease and strength. Its two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A engines pack a serious punch, allowing the Q400 to take off from surprisingly short runways—think grass strips or airports in the mountains where bigger jets can’t land. Plus, it’s super fuel-efficient while cruising at speeds that are almost on par with jets, covering a max range of 2,040 km effortlessly. Imagine flying direct from Calgary to Vancouver or hopping over the Adriatic without the usual hassle of regional jets. Step inside, and the Q400 totally surprises you. No more cramped quarters; this cabin feels more like a wide-body jet. You actually have room to stretch your legs and walk down the aisle without awkward movements. Most airlines fit it for 70 to 90 passengers, but everyone enjoys the spacious feel, tall headroom, big windows letting in lots of light, and a quieter ride thanks to smart noise and vibration dampening. It feels solid, not cramped. Picture quick business trips where you arrive feeling refreshed instead of stressed. What really makes this plane special is its agility at airports. With strong landing gear and powerful reverse thrust, it easily handles short, sometimes bumpy runways. Need to reach a coastal city with a small airstrip or a ski lodge up in the hills? The Q400 manages it where others would struggle. Its smooth handling and digital controls are a pilot’s dream, slicing through rough mountain air or coastal winds with confidence. Passengers enjoy a comfy ride, too. For airlines, the Q400 is a real money-maker. Fitting almost 90 passengers in such an efficient design changes the game for regional routes. Turnaround times are quick, maintenance is easy, and its reliability is something many jet operators envy. It’s not just about getting people where they need to go; it’s about making tough routes profitable. For travelers, that means direct flights to places that would otherwise require connecting flights. So, while the flashy long-range jets often steal the spotlight, the DHC-8-Q400 quietly gets the job done every day. It offers jet-like speeds on the most important routes, wraps you in surprising comfort, and opens doors to destinations that larger planes can’t reach. It’s the underdog of regional aviation, showing that sometimes the smart choice is also the one that keeps you comfy and saves you time.

Strengths

  • Regional group transport
  • Access to regional airports

Weaknesses

  • Aircraft-specific payload and runway limits
  • Older variants require condition and maintenance review

Best use cases

  • Regional group charter
  • Team and event transport

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