The McDonnell Douglas MD-83 is a high-density narrowbody that carries 155 to 172 passengers on domestic and short-international routes from Dallas under FAR Part 121 standards, with the stricter crew and operating requirements Part 121 imposes compared to Part 91 and Part 135. From DFW, its 2,550 nautical mile range covers domestic US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It is one of the only single-aircraft charter options for very large group movements of 120 to 170 people in the narrowbody category.
Pratt and Whitney JT8D-219 engines power the MD-83 at the rear of the fuselage in the characteristic twin-tail-mounted pod configuration of the MD-80 family. In charter configuration, the aircraft carries 155 to 172 seats in a standard domestic coach or mixed-class layout. The fuselage and systems date from 1980s production, and Part 121 operators maintain the aircraft under current airworthiness requirements as a condition of their certification. 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 Dallas
A 160-person Dallas corporate conference delegation, a large church travel group, or a university alumni travel charter to a bowl game destination can sometimes be served most efficiently by a single MD-83 rather than four or five heavy jets. The coordination, ground handling, and per-seat cost calculus changes significantly at 160 passengers.
Dallas Cowboys preseason travel parties, which can include player families, marketing staff, and broadcast crew, sometimes reach head counts where a single large narrowbody is the operational choice. The MD-83’s Part 121 operation means crew qualifications and dispatch documentation meet the FAA’s standard for commercial-scale operations.
For a Texas-based humanitarian or relief organization moving a 150-person medical team to a domestic or Caribbean response site, the MD-83 is one of the most practical single-aircraft solutions for that passenger count within its 2,550 nautical miles range from DFW.
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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 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.
MD-83 charter rates typically run $18,000 to $25,000 per hour as of 8/2026; Part 121 operations above 19 passengers include the full crew complement and operational overhead required by the standard.
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 McDonnell Douglas MD-83 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.