Fairchild Aircraft

Fairchild Metro III for charter

Charter Fairchild Metro III – explore specs, range, speed, dimensions & compare with similar private jets

Charter Price per Hour$1 800 – $2 700
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Aircraft Info

Model:
Fairchild Metro III
Family:
Fairchild Metro
Manufacturer:
Fairchild Aircraft
Aircraft Class:
Airliner
ICAO/IATA Codes:
SW4
Number Built:
900
Single Pilot Operations:
No
  • Popularity25
  • Reliability55
  • Comfort30

Performance

Service Ceiling:
31 004 ft 9 450 m
Max Takeoff Weight:
16 499 lbs 7 484 kg
Engine Type:
2 x Turboprop
Typical Engine:
2 x Garrett TPE331-12
Typical Avionics:
EFIS flight deck with dual FMS, weather radar and autopilot
Long Range Cruise Speed:
246 kts 455 km/h
Max Cruise Speed:
281 kts 520 km/h

Payload–Range Chart

Estimated Max Flight Time:
5.6 h
Max Range:
1 314 nmi 2 434 km
Fuel Burn Rate:
992 lb/h 450 kg/h
Max Payload:
4 850 lbs 2 200 kg

Fairchild Metro III Cabin Plan

Max passengers:
19
Cabin Height:
4.76 ft 1.45 m
Cabin Width:
5.15 ft 1.57 m
Cabin Length:
25.43 ft 7.75 m
Sleeping Places:
0
Estimated Cabin Volume:
489.34 ft³ 13.86 m³
  • Lavatory
  • Cabin crew

Airframe

Aircraft Height:
16.67 ft 5.08 m
Aircraft Length:
59.35 ft 18.09 m
Wingspan:
56.99 ft 17.37 m
Cabin Zones:
1 commuter passenger cabin aft of cockpit; approved seat rows and baggage stowage, with amenities depending on the installed interior
Doors:
1 main passenger door; separate baggage hatch and emergency exit; no dedicated service door
Baggage Compartment:
Underfloor baggage holds plus cabin overhead stowage; reference volume 1,5 m3
Airstairs:
Yes

Charter Costs for the Fairchild Metro III

Price per Hour

Charter Price per Hour
$1 800 – $2 700

Owning Price

Buying Price (new)
—
Pre-owned Price Range
$600 000 – $3M

Charter Costs

Cost per NM
$8.65
Direct Operating Cost (DOC)/h
$740 – $1 160
Annual Cost of Ownership
$603 000 – $922 000
Cost per Seat-Mile
$0.32 – $0.47

Total Annual Variable Costs

At 200 hours
$190 000
At 350 hours
$332 500

Total Fixed Cost

At 200 hours
$430 000
At 350 hours
$430 000

London – New York City

EGLL – KJFK

Flight time:
11 h 32 min
Estimated price:
$200 720

London – Dubai

EGLL – OMDB

Flight time:
11 h 26 min
Estimated price:
$199 029

New York City – Los Angeles

KJFK – KLAX

Flight time:
8 h 16 min
Estimated price:
$145 478

Singapore – Hong Kong

WSSS – VHHH

Flight time:
5 h 18 min
Estimated price:
$95 308

Paris – New York City

LFPG – KJFK

Flight time:
12 h 9 min
Estimated price:
$211 149

Madrid – Barcelona

LEMD – LEBL

Flight time:
1 h
Estimated price:
$22 591

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.

Get a quote for your flight on the Fairchild Metro III

Passengers

Fairchild Metro III Description

Think 'regional workhorse' meets unexpected comfort – that's the Fairchild Metro III (ICAO: SW4). This twin-turboprop isn't chasing transcontinental glamour; it masters the demanding world of short-haul efficiency with genuine grit. Picture routes connecting smaller hubs, hopping between islands, or serving remote communities where reliability isn't just preferred, it's essential. The Metro III delivers exactly that, decade after decade. Performance isn't about breaking records; it's about predictable, solid capability. You'll cruise comfortably at around 260 knots (481 km/h), covering distances up to 1,300 nautical miles (2,434 km) nonstop. That translates to practical legs like New York to Miami, Houston to Denver, or London to Oslo, linking vital points without fuss. Its robust design handles shorter, potentially less-than-perfect runways with aplomb, getting you where you need to go, consistently. Think of it as the dependable pickup truck of the regional skies – always ready for the job. Step inside, and the cabin might surprise you. While not a sprawling penthouse suite, its 25.4 feet (7.75 meters) of length and a width of just over 5 feet (1.57 meters) is cleverly utilized. Headroom sits at a practical 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 meters). Forget squeezing through; this tube efficiently accommodates up to 19 passengers in a standard commuter layout. Operators often configure it for fewer seats plus cargo, maximizing utility. The real win? Its renowned dispatch reliability. This bird spends more time earning its keep than sitting in maintenance, a crucial factor for operators watching the bottom line. Don't mistake its utilitarian roots for austerity. While plush leather sofas aren't standard, well-maintained Metro III cabins offer a noticeably smooth and quiet ride for a turboprop – a testament to its engineering. Large windows flood the space with natural light, banishing any claustrophobia. You'll find practical comforts: effective climate control, ample overhead bins, and seating designed for journeys of a few hours. It sips fuel compared to jets, making regional operations economically viable. For charter operators needing dependable short-hop capacity or companies serving remote sites, the Metro III remains a remarkably sensible, proven choice that just keeps flying.

Strengths

  • Transport suited to the selected aircraft category
  • Operator-specific seating or mission configurations

Weaknesses

  • Equipment and interior depend on the individual aircraft
  • Published limits require configuration and loading checks

Best use cases

  • Regional charter
  • Private or business transport

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