When the guest list for an Aruba trip grows past what a heavy jet can carry, a VIP airliner is the aircraft we look at next.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-83 entered service in 1985. It seats 155 to 172 with a published range of 2,550 nautical miles and a cruise speed of 472 knots. The aircraft has a service ceiling of 37,000 feet, 1,253 cubic feet of baggage volume and an enclosed lavatory.
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 Aruba
With 2,550 nautical miles of published range, it covers trips between Aruba and destinations such as Miami, Philadelphia and Chicago, allowing for reserves and routing. Aruba is busiest from Christmas through Easter, with Carnival season in January and February, so book those dates early.
On the island, every private flight uses Queen Beatrix International in Oranjestad, and at home an aircraft this size usually leaves from one of the larger airports in your area. The runway an aircraft needs is calculated by the operator for that day’s conditions, and your advisor confirms it with the operator before the trip is booked.
How Aruba Clients Use the McDonnell Douglas MD-83
Only a small number of airliners have private cabins, so an Aruba group that needs one should book as early as the plans allow.
Tell us where you are flying from, who is coming and what they are packing, dive gear and golf clubs included, and your advisor will tell you whether this aircraft fits or suggest one that suits the trip better.
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
- Estimated hourly rate: $18,000 to $25,000 (as of 10/2026)
Other VIP Airliners Available
Contact
For a quote on a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 charter to or from Aruba, 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. All images copyrighted and provided courtesy of McDonnell Douglas unless noted otherwise.