An Opa-locka party of several dozen can still fly together on one aircraft, and a VIP airliner is how that happens.
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 Opa-locka
With 2,550 nautical miles of published range, it can fly between Opa-locka and destinations such as Atlanta, Aruba and Los Angeles, allowing for reserves and routing. South Florida’s rainy season brings afternoon thunderstorms through the summer, so a morning departure is often the smoother choice.
Aircraft this size can use Opa-locka or Miami International depending on the trip, and the operator plans the routing, the fuel and the airport at the far end for the day. Runway needs are calculated by the operator for that day’s conditions, and we confirm them with the operator before the trip is booked.
How Opa-locka Clients Use the McDonnell Douglas MD-83
Few airliners are available for charter at any one time, and the winter season and big event weekends take many of them, so large Miami groups do well to ask months ahead.
Give us the route, the number of passengers and everything they are bringing, golf bags and strollers included, and your advisor will check this aircraft against the trip before putting other options in front of you.
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 Opa-locka, 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.