VIP airliners handle the Houston movements that outgrow a heavy jet: full teams, large delegations, and corporate groups traveling together. The McDonnell Douglas MD-83 sits in airliner-size territory, which changes the rules the trip runs under.
McDonnell Douglas introduced the McDonnell Douglas MD-83 in 1985. Airliner-class capacity (155 to 172 pax). Every McDonnell Douglas MD-83 we arrange flies with an operator certified under FAR Part 135, the FAA rules for on-demand, for-hire charter.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: VIP Airliner
- Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas
- Year introduced: 1985
- Seating: 155 to 172
- Crew: 2
- Range: 2,550 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 472 knots
- Service ceiling: 37,000 feet
- Length: 147.8 feet
- Wingspan: 107.8 feet
- Height: 29.6 feet
- Baggage volume: 1,253 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Enclosed
Why the McDonnell Douglas MD-83 Fits Houston
Bush Intercontinental has the runway and the ground handling for aircraft this size, which is not true of every Houston field.
Published range is 2,550 nautical miles, which puts Los Angeles, New York, and Bogota within a single sector from Houston once reserves are allowed for. Real-world range moves with payload, temperature, and winds, so the operator checks it against your specific trip.
Gallery
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
Industry hourly rates for the McDonnell Douglas MD-83 run $18,000 to $25,000 per hour as of 8/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
Other VIP Airliners Available
The full vip airliners category page lists every vip airliner we arrange for Houston departures.
Contact
For a quote on a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 charter from Houston, TX, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or visit our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
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.