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Fairchild Metro II Airliner Specifications and Charter Rates

The Fairchild Metro II is a pressurized twin-turboprop airliner, engineered for regional transport and group charters with seating for up to 19 passengers. Introduced in the early 1970s, it quickly established itself as a reliable and efficient workhorse for short- to medium-haul routes, prized for its speed and rugged performance in both commuter and VIP configurations.


For private groups, sports teams, or corporate shuttles seeking exclusive use of a cost-effective aircraft, the Metro II remains a top pick. This profile highlights its specifications, cabin layout, operating range, estimated charter rates, and answers to the most frequently asked questions from discerning flyers.

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Fairchild Metro II Overview

The Fairchild Metro II is classified as a regional airliner, striking a desirable balance between passenger capacity, speed, and operational economy. Configured for up to 19 passengers, it features a spacious stand-up cabin with overhead storage, making it ideal for group charters. Its twin turboprop engines allow for a cruising altitude of up to 25,000 feet, bypassing weather and congestion for a smooth journey.


Charter clients value the Metro II for its cost efficiency and the flexibility to serve regional airports with shorter runways. The aircraft’s low operating costs and proven reliability have ensured its ongoing popularity among operators and passengers alike.


For groups looking for private point-to-point service, the Metro II offers a compelling combination of comfort, capacity, and affordability, making it a favorite for corporate, sports, and leisure travel throughout North America and beyond.

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Fairchild Metro II 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 17 (typical), 19 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 1871 nautical miles (around 2152 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

337 knots (about 389 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 300 knots

Service ceiling:

25000 fee

Engines:

Two Garrett TPE331-3U-303G turboprops

Thrust:

Roughly 1000 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 3000 feet

Landing distance:

About 2900 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 220 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 9 cubic feet

First delivered:

Early 1970s

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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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Fairchild Metro II Range and Performance

With a maximum range of approximately 1,870 nautical miles, the Fairchild Metro II is well-suited to regional and cross-country charters, connecting cities like Dallas to Chicago, Toronto to Atlanta, or Miami to Houston nonstop with reserves. | The aircraft's cruise speed of nearly 340 knots allows for expedient flight times between major business centers and remote destinations alike. Its short runway performance—3,000 feet for takeoff and 2,900 feet for landing—opens access to smaller airports, reducing total travel time and offering more direct routing. | The Metro II’s reliable Garrett engines provide robust climb rates and consistent cruise power, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride for groups traveling on a tight schedule. For many charter clients, the flexibility and economy this aircraft offers simply cannot be matched by commercial alternatives.

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Fairchild Metro II Cabin Experience and Interior

The Metro II is designed with a stand-up cabin height of roughly 5 feet 8 inches and a width approaching 5 feet 3 inches, allowing passengers to move comfortably during flight. | Seating is typically arranged in a 1-1 or 1-2 configuration across up to 10 rows, accommodating up to 19 guests in commuter layouts or fewer in VIP arrangements. Large windows and overhead bins create a bright, spacious feel, while the pressurized cabin ensures comfort at altitude. | The aircraft is equipped with in-flight amenities including fold-down tray tables, air conditioning, and a private aft lavatory. While baggage capacity is more limited than on larger jets—about 9 cubic feet—there is sufficient space for carry-ons and personal items for all passengers. | Whether used for team travel, business groups, or family events, the Metro II’s interior is designed for productivity and relaxation, making regional journeys both efficient and enjoyable.

Fairchild Metro II Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Fairchild Metro II typically runs in the range of $2700 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 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 Fairchild Metro II 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 Fairchild Metro II?

The Fairchild Metro II 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

For very long international flights or routes requiring heavy jet amenities, a larger aircraft may be more appropriate. However, for regional group travel, sports teams, or corporate shuttles seeking cost-effective, private service, the Metro II offers an unbeatable blend of flexibility and value.

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How the Fairchild Metro II Compares to Other Airliner

The Fairchild Metro II was originally developed as an upgraded variant of the popular Swearingen Merlin series, first taking flight in the early 1970s. It was conceived to fill the growing need for a fast, economical regional airliner capable of carrying nearly 20 passengers on short to medium sectors.


The Metro II introduced advanced turboprop technology, pressurization, and a lengthened fuselage, setting new standards for commuter aircraft efficiency and reliability. Its success led to widespread adoption by regional airlines, government agencies, and charter operators worldwide.


The Metro family continued to evolve with subsequent models, but the Metro II remains a cornerstone in the regional airliner segment, renowned for its durability and operational economy. Today, it is favored by operators for its proven performance and by passengers for its comfort and exclusivity on private charters.

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Fairchild Metro II History and Background

The Fairchild Metro II was originally developed as an upgraded variant of the popular Swearingen Merlin series, first taking flight in the early 1970s. It was conceived to fill the growing need for a fast, economical regional airliner capable of carrying nearly 20 passengers on short to medium sectors.


The Metro II introduced advanced turboprop technology, pressurization, and a lengthened fuselage, setting new standards for commuter aircraft efficiency and reliability. Its success led to widespread adoption by regional airlines, government agencies, and charter operators worldwide.


The Metro family continued to evolve with subsequent models, but the Metro II remains a cornerstone in the regional airliner segment, renowned for its durability and operational economy. Today, it is favored by operators for its proven performance and by passengers for its comfort and exclusivity on private charters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Fairchild Metro II Carry?

The Metro II can accommodate up to 19 passengers in a standard commuter layout, with alternative configurations available for VIP or executive charters. Seating is typically arranged in pairs or single rows, making it ideal for group movements.

What Is the Range of the Fairchild Metro II?

The Fairchild Metro II has a range of approximately 1871 nautical miles, or roughly 2152 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 Fairchild Metro II Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 337 knots (about 389 mph), with a long-range cruise near 300 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 Fairchild Metro II?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2700 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 Fairchild Metro II Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes, the cabin is designed for stand-up movement and includes a private aft lavatory for passenger comfort. Baggage storage is compact but sufficient for each traveler’s carry-on items.

Is the Fairchild Metro II Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional routes within North America, the Metro II can complete flights nonstop. However, on longer journeys or with a full passenger load, a technical stop for fuel may be required—standard practice for this class of aircraft.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Fairchild Metro II jets operated by vetted FAA Part 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 Fairchild Metro II, 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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