When a Bahamas group runs past nineteen passengers, the trip moves into airliner-size aircraft and a different set of rules. The Airbus A318 Elite is one of the larger cabins we put in front of Bahamas groups before the trip moves to airliner-size.
Airbus introduced the Airbus A318 Elite in 2005. More than one lavatory is fitted, which starts to matter when the cabin is full on a long sector. VIP layout typically 14-19. Full specifications for the Airbus A318 Elite are published by Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
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 the Bahamas
Nassau and Freeport handle aircraft of this size. If your destination is an Out Island, the group will normally arrive at one of the two main airports and continue from there.
Turnaround and ground handling take longer than a business jet, which affects the day’s schedule.
Published range is 4,200 nautical miles, which puts Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles within a single sector of the Bahamas once reserves are allowed for. The operator will confirm the actual figures for your date and routing.
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.
Other VIP Airliners Available
- Airbus A320
- Airbus ACJ319
- Boeing 727-251 VIP
- Boeing 737-200
- Boeing 757 VIP
- Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)
The full vip airliners category page lists every vip airliner we arrange for Bahamas trips.
Contact
For a quote on a Airbus A318 Elite charter to or from the Bahamas, 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.