The Airbus A318 Elite is the VIP conversion of Airbus’s smallest narrowbody, and from Dallas it carries up to 19 passengers 4,200 nautical miles in a cabin that looks nothing like the airliner it started as. DFW supports its full takeoff weight, and at under 19 passengers the aircraft operates under FAR Part 135 rather than the Part 121 standards that govern the larger Airbus VIP variants. The interior is rebuilt to a private-aviation standard, with individual flat-bed seats, a conference table, and a private stateroom in most configurations.
Airbus produced the A318 Elite in limited numbers as a purpose-configured corporate aircraft rather than an airliner conversion. CFM56 engines deliver the range and cruise performance, and the cabin features stand-up headroom and a galley capable of multi-course hot catering. The aircraft’s full airliner-grade weather radar and avionics suite exceed what most business jets carry as standard. Full specifications for the Airbus A318 Elite are published by Airbus Corporate Jets.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: VIP Airliner
- Manufacturer: Airbus
- Year introduced: 2005
- Seating: 14 to 19
- Crew: 2
- Range: 4,200 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.78 (about 448 knots)
- Service ceiling: 41,000 feet
- Length: 103.1 feet
- Wingspan: 111.9 feet
- Height: 41.2 feet
- Baggage volume: 750 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Multiple lavatories
Why the Airbus A318 Elite Fits Dallas
For Dallas corporate groups of 12 to 18 people who want an airliner-width cabin without crossing into Part 121 territory, the A318 Elite sits in a useful middle ground. Flights operate under Part 135, and the cabin provides a walking-around experience that a conventional heavy jet cannot match at the same passenger count.
Dallas to Turks and Caicos or Dallas to Puerto Vallarta are both well within the 4,200 nautical miles range envelope. A corporate incentive trip or senior leadership retreat with 15 to 18 attendees fits comfortably in the A318 Elite’s reconfigured cabin without the overhead of a larger Part 121 airliner.
The A318 Elite’s 4,200 nautical miles range covers Dallas to any destination in the continental United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean nonstop. For the DFW market, that covers the majority of group leisure and corporate retreat routes.
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; reports may be provided on request.
- 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 Airbus A318 Elite run $16,000 to $22,000 per hour as of 8/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
A318 Elite charter rates typically run $16,000 to $22,000 per hour as of 8/2026; all-in pricing reflects the aircraft’s operating costs and includes ground fees.
Other VIP Airliners Available
The full vip airliners category page lists every vip airliner we arrange for Dallas departures.
Contact
For a quote on a Airbus A318 Elite charter from Dallas, 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.