dhc-8-106

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DHC-8-106 Airliner Specifications and Charter Rates

The DHC-8-106, also known as the Dash 8-100, is a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner renowned for its short takeoff and landing capabilities and robust operational performance. Introduced in the mid-1980s, this aircraft was designed to transport up to 39 passengers over short to medium distances, making it ideal for both scheduled commuter operations and private group charters seeking reliable access to airports with limited infrastructure.


For discerning travelers who require access to remote destinations or demand efficient regional connections, the DHC-8-106 offers a practical solution with a spacious cabin, exceptional fuel economy, and the ability to land on shorter runways. Explore its specifications, cabin configuration, range, typical charter rates, and key FAQs to discover why this airliner remains a favorite for both corporate and leisure group travel.

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DHC-8-106 Overview

The DHC-8-106 is firmly positioned in the airliner category, offering the versatility and resilience required for regional air service. It accommodates up to 39 passengers in standard configuration, delivering a comfortable and quiet ride even on less-than-ideal runways. Its twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120A turboprop engines provide outstanding reliability and allow for a maximum cruising altitude of 25,000 feet, keeping flights smooth and efficient above most inclement weather.


What sets the DHC-8-106 apart is its proven ability to access airports that are off-limits to many jets, thanks to its exceptional takeoff and landing performance. Operators value its ease of maintenance, while passengers enjoy the peace of mind that comes from a robust, well-supported airframe built for demanding conditions.


The DHC-8-106 is a preferred choice for corporate shuttles, sports teams, and private groups requiring flexible, point-to-point travel. Its practical design and operational efficiency make it ideal for those who value both accessibility and comfort in regional flight operations.

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DHC-8-106 Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Airliner

Passenger capacity:

Up to 37 (typical), 39 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots, 1 flight attendant

Range:

Approximately 1889 nautical miles (around 2173 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

280 knots (about 322 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 241 knots

Service ceiling:

25000 fee

Engines:

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120A turboprops

Thrust:

Roughly 1800 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 3125 feet

Landing distance:

About 2800 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 160 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 12 cubic feet

First delivered:

1984

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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DHC-8-106 Range and Performance

The DHC-8-106 delivers a range of approximately 1,889 nautical miles, making it an exceptional choice for regional and short-haul missions where direct access to smaller airports is essential. This range enables seamless travel between city pairs such as Boston to Chicago, Toronto to Halifax, or London to Vienna on a single flight, minimizing the need for stopovers and maximizing productivity for passengers. | Its 280-knot high-speed cruise ensures swift transit times, while the aircraft’s robust short-field performance allows operations from airfields with runways as short as 3,125 feet. The proven Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines ensure reliable climb and cruise capabilities, letting crews operate with confidence even in challenging weather and terrain. | For travelers, the result is a flexible, time-saving travel experience that rivals the convenience of major airlines—without the crowds or delays of commercial terminals.

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DHC-8-106 Cabin Experience and Interior

The DHC-8-106 features a spacious, pressurized cabin with a true stand-up height of about 6 feet 3 inches, setting a new standard for comfort in its class. The typical seating layout offers a single-aisle configuration, with pairs of seats on either side, ensuring every passenger enjoys ample space and unobstructed views from large windows. | The aircraft is designed for both comfort and functionality, featuring ergonomic seating, overhead storage bins, and a rear lavatory for passenger convenience. Cabin noise levels are impressively low for a turboprop, and modernized interiors often include upgraded lighting, refreshed upholstery, and inflight power solutions. | With a baggage hold capacity of approximately 12 cubic feet, it is well-suited to accommodate the luggage of even large groups. The quiet atmosphere and thoughtfully arranged cabin make the DHC-8-106 a preferred platform for executive retreats, incentive trips, or group excursions where a premium travel experience is expected.

DHC-8-106 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a DHC-8-106 typically runs in the range of $2600 to $3900 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 121 or 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a DHC-8-106 down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the DHC-8-106?

The DHC-8-106 fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

While the DHC-8-106 excels on short- to medium-haul routes, it is not designed for long-haul or intercontinental journeys, where larger airliners or jets are more appropriate. For groups seeking direct regional access, flexible scheduling, and the ability to land closer to their destination, the DHC-8-106 offers unmatched value and versatility.

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How the DHC-8-106 Compares to Other Airliner

The DHC-8-106 is part of the renowned Dash 8 series developed by de Havilland Canada in the early 1980s, a family that quickly established itself as the benchmark for turboprop regional airliners. The -100 series, first delivered in 1984, became a foundational model for airlines and charter operators worldwide due to its rugged construction and superb short-field performance.


The aircraft was engineered to provide reliable commuter service in challenging environments, such as Canada’s remote northern regions, where performance and dependability are paramount. Continuous improvements in avionics and cabin refinement have kept the DHC-8-106 at the forefront of regional aviation, even as newer Dash 8 variants have joined the market.


Today, the DHC-8-106 remains a popular choice for private and commercial operators seeking efficient, accessible, and comfortable regional travel. Its enduring reputation for reliability and operational economy ensures its place as a legacy airliner for discerning travelers and group charter clients.

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DHC-8-106 History and Background

The DHC-8-106 is part of the renowned Dash 8 series developed by de Havilland Canada in the early 1980s, a family that quickly established itself as the benchmark for turboprop regional airliners. The -100 series, first delivered in 1984, became a foundational model for airlines and charter operators worldwide due to its rugged construction and superb short-field performance.


The aircraft was engineered to provide reliable commuter service in challenging environments, such as Canada’s remote northern regions, where performance and dependability are paramount. Continuous improvements in avionics and cabin refinement have kept the DHC-8-106 at the forefront of regional aviation, even as newer Dash 8 variants have joined the market.


Today, the DHC-8-106 remains a popular choice for private and commercial operators seeking efficient, accessible, and comfortable regional travel. Its enduring reputation for reliability and operational economy ensures its place as a legacy airliner for discerning travelers and group charter clients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the DHC-8-106 Carry?

The DHC-8-106 typically seats up to 37 passengers in a standard commuter configuration, with some layouts accommodating up to 39. The single-aisle cabin and flexible seating arrangements make it ideal for both private charters and corporate group travel.

What Is the Range of the DHC-8-106?

The DHC-8-106 has a range of approximately 1889 nautical miles, or roughly 2173 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the DHC-8-106 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 280 knots (about 322 mph), with a long-range cruise near 241 knots. The aircraft's 25000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a DHC-8-106?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2600 and $3900 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker DHC-8-106 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The DHC-8-106 offers a stand-up cabin with a height of about 6 feet 3 inches, allowing passengers to move comfortably during flight. It also features a rear lavatory and a dedicated baggage compartment for group luggage needs.

Is the DHC-8-106 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional routes, yes. The DHC-8-106 can easily handle city pairs such as Boston to Chicago or Toronto to Halifax nonstop, though extended range or larger payloads may require a technical stop, which is typical for regional airliners on longer sectors.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including DHC-8-106 jets operated by vetted FAA Part 121 or 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the DHC-8-106, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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