iai-astra-sp

service

IAI Astra SP Midsize Jet Specifications and Charter Rates

The IAI Astra SP is a versatile midsize business jet engineered to deliver exceptional speed, comfort, and range for up to eight passengers. Renowned for its aerodynamic design and high cruise speed, the Astra SP offers an impressive nonstop range of over 3,700 nautical miles, making it an ideal choice for cross-country or international journeys. Introduced in the late 1980s, the Astra SP quickly earned a reputation for its spacious cabin, excellent climb performance, and advanced avionics package.


For discerning private flyers seeking a seamless blend of efficiency and luxury, the Astra SP stands out as a premier midsize solution. This profile covers the jet’s full technical specifications, cabin details, performance highlights, typical charter rates, and answers to the most common client questions before booking.

jettly
service

IAI Astra SP Overview

The IAI Astra SP occupies a leading position in the midsize jet segment, expertly balancing generous range, performance, and operating economics. Typically seating up to eight passengers in an executive configuration, the Astra SP features a spacious, flat-floor cabin ideal for productive meetings, relaxation, or traveling with family. Its twin Honeywell TFE731-3C-200G turbofan engines propel the aircraft to a service ceiling of 45,000 feet, enabling smooth flying above most weather systems and commercial traffic.


Efficiency is at the heart of the Astra SP’s enduring popularity. Its impressive fuel economy and low operating costs make it a favorite among charter operators and frequent flyers alike, while its aerodynamic wing design ensures quick climbs and efficient cruising. With strong dispatch reliability and a robust support network, the Astra SP is a proven performer for regional and long-range missions, offering a premium travel experience at a competitive price point.


Charter clients appreciate its combination of range and comfort, making the Astra SP exceptionally well-suited for coast-to-coast or transcontinental routes. Its thoughtful cabin design and advanced avionics create a refined environment for both business and leisure travel, ensuring every journey is as productive as it is enjoyable.

jettly

IAI Astra SP 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:

Midsize Jet

Passenger capacity:

Up to 8 (typical), 9 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 3749 nautical miles (around 4314 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

470 knots (about 541 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 430 knots

Service ceiling:

45000 fee

Engines:

Two Honeywell TFE731-3C-200G turbofans

Thrust:

Roughly 3700 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 5250 feet

Landing distance:

About 4362 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 254 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 64 cubic feet

First delivered:

1989

iai-astra-sp

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.

iai-astra-sp

IAI Astra SP Range and Performance

With a range exceeding 3,700 nautical miles, the Astra SP enables nonstop travel between major cities such as Los Angeles and New York, Miami and Seattle, or London and Dubai without a fuel stop. This extended range broadens access to popular business and leisure destinations, letting clients bypass commercial hubs and fly direct to their preferred airports. | While it can handle coast-to-coast and many transatlantic flights with ease, a full passenger load, adverse winds, or extreme weather may occasionally require a quick technical stop—a standard consideration for midsize jets on ultra-long legs. | The Astra SP’s high-speed cruise of 470 knots keeps trips efficient, while the 45,000-foot ceiling ensures smooth, turbulence-free cruising above congested airspace. The advanced Honeywell engines deliver rapid climb rates and strong field performance, and a takeoff distance of about 5,250 feet opens up access to a wide network of airports, including exclusive private terminals closer to your destination. | The result is a time-saving, flexible travel experience unrivaled by commercial options.

iai-astra-sp

IAI Astra SP Cabin Experience and Interior

The Astra SP’s cabin is designed for comfort, productivity, and privacy, offering a true stand-up layout with a height of nearly 5 feet 8 inches and a width of 5 feet 7 inches. Passengers can move around freely, making long flights comfortable and relaxing. | The interior typically seats eight in a double-club configuration, with plush executive chairs and a versatile divan to accommodate varying group sizes or family travel. | Amenities include foldout worktables, large panoramic windows, advanced connectivity, and a private rear lavatory. Many aircraft in the Astra SP fleet have been modernized with upgraded entertainment systems, in-flight Wi-Fi, and refreshed interiors for a contemporary, inviting atmosphere. | A spacious baggage compartment of 64 cubic feet accommodates multiple golf bags, skis, or luggage for extended trips. Whether traveling for business or leisure, the Astra SP's quiet, climate-controlled cabin turns every journey into a productive and enjoyable experience.

IAI Astra SP Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

laptop
A black and white image of an airplane.

Chartering a IAI Astra SP typically runs in the range of $3700 to $4700 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.

A black and white image of an airplane.

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.

A black and white image of an airplane.

Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a IAI Astra SP 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 IAI Astra SP?

The IAI Astra SP fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

icon

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

icon

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

icon

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

icon

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

icon

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

While the Astra SP delivers exceptional range for a midsize jet, travelers requiring true intercontinental or nonstop transoceanic capabilities may prefer a super-midsize or heavy jet. For most missions—such as coast-to-coast travel, city-hopping, or group trips of four to eight passengers—the Astra SP provides outstanding value, performance, and comfort.

service

How the IAI Astra SP Compares to Other Midsize Jet

The IAI Astra SP was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and made its first appearance in 1989 as an evolution of the original Astra series. It was designed to fill the gap between light and midsize business jets, offering greater range, cabin size, and performance than its predecessors while leveraging IAI’s advanced engineering heritage.


The SP introduced significant upgrades, including a redesigned wing for improved aerodynamics, a modernized avionics suite, and enhanced passenger amenities. Its debut marked a turning point for the Astra line, quickly earning a loyal following among charter operators and private owners worldwide.


Following its success, the platform continued to evolve into the Astra SPX and Gulfstream G100 models. Today, the Astra SP is celebrated for its robust build quality, reliability, and versatility—qualities that make it a mainstay of premium private jet fleets and a trusted choice for discerning travelers.


With a rich legacy of performance and innovation, the Astra SP stands as a testament to IAI’s commitment to excellence in business aviation.

jettly

IAI Astra SP History and Background

The IAI Astra SP was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and made its first appearance in 1989 as an evolution of the original Astra series. It was designed to fill the gap between light and midsize business jets, offering greater range, cabin size, and performance than its predecessors while leveraging IAI’s advanced engineering heritage.


The SP introduced significant upgrades, including a redesigned wing for improved aerodynamics, a modernized avionics suite, and enhanced passenger amenities. Its debut marked a turning point for the Astra line, quickly earning a loyal following among charter operators and private owners worldwide.


Following its success, the platform continued to evolve into the Astra SPX and Gulfstream G100 models. Today, the Astra SP is celebrated for its robust build quality, reliability, and versatility—qualities that make it a mainstay of premium private jet fleets and a trusted choice for discerning travelers.


With a rich legacy of performance and innovation, the Astra SP stands as a testament to IAI’s commitment to excellence in business aviation.

plan

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the IAI Astra SP Carry?

The Astra SP typically seats up to eight passengers in a double-club executive configuration, with some layouts accommodating a ninth passenger using a versatile divan. This arrangement is ideal for both corporate groups and families seeking space and comfort.

What Is the Range of the IAI Astra SP?

The IAI Astra SP has a range of approximately 3749 nautical miles, or roughly 4314 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 IAI Astra SP Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 470 knots (about 541 mph), with a long-range cruise near 430 knots. The aircraft's 45000-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 IAI Astra SP?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $3700 and $4700 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 IAI Astra SP Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The Astra SP features a stand-up cabin nearly 5 feet 8 inches tall and 5 feet 7 inches wide, allowing passengers to move comfortably during flight. It is also equipped with a private aft lavatory and a generous baggage area of 64 cubic feet.

Is the IAI Astra SP Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most coast-to-coast trips, absolutely. The Astra SP’s range covers routes like Los Angeles to New York or Miami to Seattle nonstop under typical conditions, though a full passenger load or strong headwinds could require a short technical stop, as is common for midsize jets on the longest legs.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including IAI Astra SP 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 IAI Astra SP, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS

partner logo
partner logo
partner logo
partner logo
partner logo
partner logo