18°N FLORIDA TO CARIBBEAN CHARTER REFERRALS • FXE • OPF • PBI • FLL

Aircraft Fleet • Mission Roles & Hourly Cost Guide

Common Aircraft Used for Bahamas & Caribbean Charters—& Why They Fit the Mission

From STOL turboprops engineered for St. Barts' steep 2,119-foot beach approach and Virgin Gorda's unpaved gravel strip to high-speed light, midsize, and intercontinental heavy jets flying along the 18th parallel. Explore every aircraft class below with photographs, mission descriptions, challenging runway solutions, and typical hourly charter costs.

Latitude 18 North Charter Right Plane for Every Runway

Transparent hourly charter rate ranges, associated fees, and STOL runway pairings across the islands.

Piston & Turboprop Rates $1,150 – $3,400 / Flight Hour
Light & Midsize Jet Rates $3,100 – $5,900 / Flight Hour
Heavy & Ultra-Long-Range Rates $8,200 – $11,800 / Flight Hour
Shortest Island Runway Served 1,312 ft — Saba (SAB) via Twin Otter / Islander

Single-Engine & Twin-Engine Turboprops (Ideal for Island Hopping)

Designed for short 25-to-75-minute hops across the Gulf Stream and engineered to land safely on short, unpaved, or hillside island airstrips where traditional private jets cannot operate.

Short-Field & Out Island Specialists
Pilatus PC-12 / PC-12 NGX
Out Island & Alpine STOL Icon $2,100 – $2,900 / hr
6–8 Passengers • Cruise: 285–290 KTAS • Range: 1,500–1,800 NM

Pilatus PC-12 / PC-12 NGX

Aircraft Overview: A versatile, pressurized single-engine turboprop seating 6 to 8 passengers.

Why This Aircraft Is Used: Originally engineered in Switzerland for tight alpine landings, the pressurized Pilatus PC-12 combines a luxury executive cabin and a massive pallet-width rear cargo door with heavy-braking short-field performance. It lands effortlessly at St. Barts (SBH, 2,119 ft), Staniel Cay (TYM, 3,030 ft), and North Eleuthera (ELH) while swallowing surfboards, fishing rods, and villa provisions at half the operating cost of a jet.

  • Passenger Capacity: 6–8 Passengers
  • Min. Runway / Speed / Range: 2,100–2,485 ft • 285–290 KTAS • 1,500–1,800 NM
  • Prime Island Destinations: St. Barts (SBH), Staniel Cay (TYM), North Eleuthera / Harbour Island (ELH), Marsh Harbour (MHH), Bimini (BIM)

Typical Charter Rates & Associated Costs: Pilatus PC-12

  • Estimated Hourly Charter Rate: $2,100 – $2,900 per flight hour (plus 7.5% U.S. Federal Excise Tax where applicable)
  • Daily Minimum & Crew Fees: Typical 2.0-hour daily minimum; two-pilot crew fees average $400 – $650/day ($500 – $900/night for island overnights)
  • FBO Handling, Landing & Ramp Fees: $150 – $450 per landing at Bahamian Out Island and Caribbean regional airports
  • International Customs, eAPIS & Departure Taxes: Bahamas/Caribbean arrival & passenger departure taxes average $65 – $125 per passenger plus $150 – $300 customs/immigrations handling
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX
Rugged STOL & Unpaved Strip Workhorse $1,650 – $2,300 / hr
8–12 Passengers • Cruise: 185–195 KTAS • Range: 900–1,050 NM

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX

Aircraft Overview: A rugged utility and STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft capable of handling short or unpaved airstrips, seating up to 9–12 passengers.

Why This Aircraft Is Used: Built with high-clearance fixed landing gear, a high-mounted wing, and an underbelly cargo pod, the Cessna 208 Grand Caravan EX thrives on short, steep, and unpaved compacted dirt or gravel airstrips like Virgin Gorda (VIJ) and St. Barts (SBH) that would cause foreign-object fuselage or engine damage to low-slung private jets.

  • Passenger Capacity: 8–12 Passengers
  • Min. Runway / Speed / Range: 1,400–2,050 ft • 185–195 KTAS • 900–1,050 NM
  • Prime Island Destinations: Virgin Gorda (VIJ), St. Barts (SBH), Staniel Cay (TYM), Kamalame Cay / Andros, Anegada (NGD)

Typical Charter Rates & Associated Costs: Cessna 208 Grand Caravan

  • Estimated Hourly Charter Rate: $1,650 – $2,300 per flight hour (executive Oasis 8-seat or 9–12 passenger commuter layout)
  • Daily Minimum & Crew Costs: Typical 2.0-hour daily minimum; dual-pilot STOL crew fees average $350 – $550/day
  • Short-Field Landing, Handling & STOL Strip Fees: $120 – $350 per landing at BVI, St. Barts, and Out Island airfields
  • Customs, Belly-Pod Baggage & Island Taxes: $65 – $125 per passenger in island departure/environmental levies; zero extra charge for standard belly-pod luggage
Beechcraft King Air (250 / 350i / 360)
Twin-Engine Redundancy & VIP Cabin $2,400 – $3,400 / hr
8–9 Passengers • Cruise: 305–312 KTAS • Range: 1,550–1,800 NM

Beechcraft King Air (250 / 350i / 360)

Aircraft Overview: A twin-engine turboprop offering more speed, cabin comfort, and range for larger groups or longer regional legs.

Why This Aircraft Is Used: Combining twin Pratt & Whitney turbine overwater redundancy with a quiet, squared-oval double-club VIP interior, the Beechcraft King Air 250/350/360 delivers jet-like cabin refinement while meeting strict short-field and noise restrictions on exclusive islands like Mustique (MQS), Marsh Harbour (MHH), and Bimini (BIM).

  • Passenger Capacity: 8–9 Passengers
  • Min. Runway / Speed / Range: 2,600–3,300 ft • 305–312 KTAS • 1,550–1,800 NM
  • Prime Island Destinations: Mustique (MQS), Marsh Harbour / Abacos (MHH), Bimini (BIM), Nassau (NAS), North Eleuthera (ELH), Exuma (GGT / TYM)

Typical Charter Rates & Associated Costs: Beechcraft King Air

  • Estimated Hourly Charter Rate: $2,400 – $3,400 per flight hour (King Air C90/250 at lower end; King Air 350i/360 at upper end)
  • Daily Minimum & Two-Pilot Crew Fees: 2.0-hour daily minimum; twin-turboprop captain & first officer fees average $500 – $750/day
  • FBO Handling, Landing & Parking Fees: $200 – $500 per arrival across Bahamas, Grenadines, and Caribbean executive ramps
  • International Customs, Overwater & Passenger Taxes: $75 – $140 per passenger in international arrival/departure taxes plus $200 – $350 customs clearance
Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander & DHC-6 Twin Otter
Extreme STOL & Micro-Runway Specialists $1,500 – $2,600 / hr
8–19 Passengers • Cruise: 145–170 KTAS • Range: 600–800 NM

Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander & DHC-6 Twin Otter

Aircraft Overview: A reliable twin-engine workhorse frequently used for very short hops into smaller or challenging island strips (such as St. Barts, Saba, or Mustique).

Why This Aircraft Is Used: When an island runway is under 3,200 feet—or just 1,312 feet on volcanic cliffs like Saba (SAB)—only ultra-low-stall-speed twin STOL workhorses like the Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander and de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter can fly slow enough, shrug off severe crosswinds, and stop on a dime.

  • Passenger Capacity: 8–19 Passengers
  • Min. Runway / Speed / Range: 1,100–1,312 ft • 145–170 KTAS • 600–800 NM
  • Prime Island Destinations: Saba (SAB - 1,312 ft), Mustique (MQS), St. Barts (SBH), Union Island (UNI), Canouan (CIW)

Typical Charter Rates & Associated Costs: BN-2 Islander & DHC-6 Twin Otter

  • Estimated Hourly Charter Rate: $1,500 – $2,100 / hr for BN-2 Islander (up to 8 pax); $2,200 – $2,800 / hr for DHC-6 Twin Otter (up to 14–19 pax)
  • Inter-Island Shuttle Minimums: Often billed by flat inter-island sector (e.g., SXM to Saba/St. Barts or Barbados to Mustique) or 1.5-to-2.0-hour minimums
  • Special Endorsement Crew & Handling Fees: Includes mountain/STOL-certified two-pilot crews and $100 – $275 regional island landing fees
  • Customs & Island Departure Taxes: $50 – $110 per passenger in regional Eastern Caribbean customs and airport authority fees
Piper Aztec & Piper Navajo Chieftain
Economical Bahamas Short-Hop Twins $1,150 – $1,650 / hr
5–8 Passengers • Cruise: 170–205 KTAS • Range: 700–950 NM

Piper Aztec & Piper Navajo Chieftain

Aircraft Overview: Classic twin-engine piston aircraft common with regional charter outfits for short-field island connections.

Why This Aircraft Is Used: For quick 25-to-50-minute hops from Fort Lauderdale or Miami to Bimini, Chub Cay, Cat Cay, Andros, or the Berry Islands, the twin-engine Piper Aztec and stretched Piper Navajo Chieftain offer twin-engine overwater reliability and generous nose-and-nacelle baggage space at the lowest hourly charter rate.

  • Passenger Capacity: 5–8 Passengers
  • Min. Runway / Speed / Range: 1,900–2,500 ft • 170–205 KTAS • 700–950 NM
  • Prime Island Destinations: Bimini (BIM), Chub Cay (CCZ), North Eleuthera (ELH), Fresh Creek / Andros (ASD), Marsh Harbour (MHH)

Typical Charter Rates & Associated Costs: Piper Aztec & Navajo Chieftain

  • Estimated Hourly Charter Rate: $1,150 – $1,650 per flight hour (the most economical private charter category out of South Florida)
  • Daily Minimum & Pilot Fees: Typical 1.5-to-2.0-hour minimum; pilot fees average $250 – $450/day for Bahamas day trips
  • FBO Ramp & Out Island Landing Fees: $75 – $225 per landing at FXE/OPF and Bahamian family island airstrips
  • Bahamas Customs, eAPIS & Departure Taxes: $65 – $115 per passenger in Bahamian departure/cruising fees plus $100 – $200 customs attendance

Light & Midsize Jets (Ideal for Regional & U.S.–Caribbean Routes)

Cruising above tropical weather at 430 to 475 knots, light and midsize jets connect South Florida, the U.S. Southeast, and the Northeast nonstop to major Bahamian and Caribbean ports of entry.

High-Speed Regional & 18°N Corridor Jets
Cessna Citation Family (Mustang, CJ2, CJ3+, XLS+ / Latitude)
Most Popular U.S.–Caribbean Jet Fleet $3,100 – $5,800 / hr
4–9 Passengers • Cruise: 380–446 KTAS • Range: 1,150–2,700 NM

Cessna Citation Family (Mustang, CJ2, CJ3+, XLS+ / Latitude)

Aircraft Overview: Very light, light, and midsize jets widely used for quick hops and short-to-medium runs from Florida or the U.S. Southeast into the islands.

Why This Aircraft Is Used: From the economical 4-seat Citation Mustang and 6–7 seat CJ2/CJ3+ to the spacious 8–9 passenger Citation XLS+ and stand-up Citation Latitude, the Citation lineup combines best-in-class runway performance, massive external golf-bag compartments, and high fleet availability across South Florida.

  • Passenger Capacity: 4–9 Passengers
  • Min. Runway / Speed / Range: 3,100–3,600 ft • 380–446 KTAS • 1,150–2,700 NM
  • Prime Island Destinations: Nassau (NAS), Turks & Caicos (PLS), Punta Cana / Casa de Campo (PUJ / LRM), Exuma (GGT), San Juan (SIG / SJU)

Typical Charter Rates & Associated Costs: Cessna Citation Family

  • Estimated Hourly Charter Rate: $3,100 – $4,300 / hr (Citation Mustang, CJ2+, CJ3+); $4,600 – $5,800 / hr (Citation XLS+ & Citation Latitude)
  • Daily Minimum & Two-Pilot Jet Crew Fees: 2.0-hour daily minimum; type-rated jet crew fees & per diems average $650 – $950/day
  • VIP FBO Handling, Landing & International Ramp Fees: $450 – $950 per stop at Nassau, Providenciales, Casa de Campo, and San Juan FBOs
  • Fuel Surcharges, Customs & Taxes: 7.5% U.S. FET on domestic/qualifying legs; Caribbean VIP customs, overflight permits & departure taxes average $95 – $175/passenger
Embraer Phenom 100EV & Phenom 300E
#1 Most-Requested Light Jet in the World $3,200 – $4,800 / hr
4–8 Passengers • Cruise: 405–464 KTAS • Range: 1,178–2,010 NM

Embraer Phenom 100EV & Phenom 300E

Aircraft Overview: Popular light and super-light jets known for fast cruising speeds and modern, comfortable cabins.

Why This Aircraft Is Used: With a blistering 464-knot (Mach 0.80) high-speed cruise, oversized panoramic windows, the lowest cabin altitude in its class, and a 74–84 cubic-foot baggage hold, the Embraer Phenom 300E outpaces other light jets from Miami or Palm Beach to Nassau, Turks & Caicos, and the Dominican Republic.

  • Passenger Capacity: 4–8 Passengers
  • Min. Runway / Speed / Range: 3,210–3,400 ft • 405–464 KTAS • 1,178–2,010 NM
  • Prime Island Destinations: Nassau (NAS), Turks & Caicos (PLS), Punta Cana (PUJ), North Eleuthera (ELH), St. Thomas (STT), San Juan (SIG)

Typical Charter Rates & Associated Costs: Embraer Phenom 100 & 300

  • Estimated Hourly Charter Rate: $3,200 – $3,800 / hr (Phenom 100 / 100EV, 4–5 pax); $4,100 – $4,800 / hr (Phenom 300 / 300E, 7–8 pax)
  • Daily Minimum & Crew Costs: 2.0-hour daily minimum; dual-pilot crew fees average $650 – $900/day plus hotel/per diem on multi-day stays
  • VIP FBO Ramp, Handling & Landing Fees: $400 – $850 per stop at executive FBO terminals across the Bahamas and 18°N Caribbean
  • International Customs, Overflight & Passenger Taxes: $90 – $165 per passenger in international arrival/departure taxes plus $250 – $450 VIP customs handling
Hawker 800XP / 900XP & Learjet 60XR
High-Speed Midsize Range & Stand-Up Comfort $4,500 – $5,900 / hr
7–8 Passengers • Cruise: 447–466 KTAS • Range: 2,400–2,800 NM

Hawker 800XP / 900XP & Learjet 60XR

Aircraft Overview: Midsize business jets providing the speed and range needed for longer flights from the U.S. Northeast, South America, or across the wider Caribbean.

Why This Aircraft Is Used: When flying nonstop from New York, Boston, Chicago, or Texas into the Caribbean—or running 1,000+ NM legs from South Florida to St. Thomas (STT), St. Maarten (SXM), Aruba, or Barbados—the Hawker 800XP/900XP and Learjet 60XR deliver 2,500+ NM range, Mach 0.80+ cruise speeds, and midsize cabin comfort.

  • Passenger Capacity: 7–8 Passengers
  • Min. Runway / Speed / Range: 4,900–5,450 ft • 447–466 KTAS • 2,400–2,800 NM
  • Prime Island Destinations: St. Maarten (SXM), St. Thomas (STT), San Juan (SJU / SIG), Casa de Campo (LRM), Turks & Caicos (PLS), Grand Cayman (GCM)

Typical Charter Rates & Associated Costs: Hawker 800XP & Learjet 60

  • Estimated Hourly Charter Rate: $4,500 – $5,400 / hr (Learjet 60 / 60XR); $4,800 – $5,900 / hr (Hawker 800XP / 850XP / 900XP)
  • Daily Minimum & Crew Costs: 2.0-hour daily minimum; two-pilot midsize jet crew fees average $750 – $1,050/day plus international overnight expenses
  • Executive FBO Handling, Landing & Parking Fees: $550 – $1,100 per landing at SXM, STT, SJU, LRM, and PLS VIP terminals
  • Overflight Permits, Fuel Surcharges & Customs: International CARICOM/ airspace overflight permits ($150 – $350), VIP customs handling ($300 – $500), and passenger taxes ($95 – $175/person)

Heavy & Long-Range Jets (For Transcontinental & VIP Charters)

Stand-up cabins, full galleys, dedicated flight attendants, and intercontinental range for nonstop VIP charters from the West Coast, Europe, or deep South America directly into the Caribbean.

Transcontinental & Intercontinental Flagships
Gulfstream G450 & Gulfstream G550
Ultra-Long-Range VIP Flagship $8,200 – $11,500 / hr
12–16 Passengers • Cruise: 476–488 KTAS (Mach 0.85) • Range: 4,350–6,750 NM

Gulfstream G450 & Gulfstream G550

Aircraft Overview: Heavy, long-range jets utilized by executives and high-net-worth travelers coming direct from the West Coast, Europe, or deep South America.

Why This Aircraft Is Used: Featuring three distinct living zones, signature panoramic oval windows, 100% fresh cabin air, a full galley with dedicated flight attendant service, and up to 6,750 NM of range, the Gulfstream G450 and G550 fly 12–16 VIP guests nonstop from Los Angeles, London, or São Paulo directly into Nassau, St. Maarten, or St. Thomas.

  • Passenger Capacity: 12–16 Passengers
  • Min. Runway / Speed / Range: 5,450–5,910 ft • 476–488 KTAS (Mach 0.85) • 4,350–6,750 NM
  • Prime Island Destinations: Nassau (NAS), St. Maarten (SXM), San Juan (SJU), St. Thomas (STT), Punta Cana / La Romana (PUJ / LRM), Turks & Caicos (PLS)

Typical Charter Rates & Associated Costs: Gulfstream G450 & G550

  • Estimated Hourly Charter Rate: $8,200 – $9,800 / hr (Gulfstream G450); $9,500 – $11,500 / hr (Gulfstream G550 ultra-long-range)
  • Crew & Cabin Attendant Fees: Two captains plus mandatory/dedicated VIP flight attendant average $1,400 – $2,200/day plus international crew hotels
  • Heavy-Jet VIP FBO Handling, Landing & Ramp Parking: $950 – $2,200 per arrival at NAS, SXM, SJU, PUJ, and PLS executive aprons
  • Catering, Wi-Fi, Overflight & International Taxes: Bespoke fine-dining catering ($150 – $300/pax), international handling/customs ($500 – $950), and passenger taxes ($100 – $190/pax)
Dassault Falcon 7X (Tri-Jet)
Intercontinental Tri-Jet & Short-Field Performance $8,800 – $11,800 / hr
12–14 Passengers • Cruise: 485–500 KTAS (Mach 0.85–0.90) • Range: 5,950 NM

Dassault Falcon 7X (Tri-Jet)

Aircraft Overview: A tri-jet option capable of intercontinental ranges into major regional airports with private handling facilities.

Why This Aircraft Is Used: Powered by three Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines and military-derived digital fly-by-wire flight controls, the Dassault Falcon 7X combines a 5,950-NM intercontinental range with slower, steeper approach speeds and shorter landing distances than any twin-engine heavy jet—plus unmatched three-engine overwater safety.

  • Passenger Capacity: 12–14 Passengers
  • Min. Runway / Speed / Range: 4,200–4,800 ft • 485–500 KTAS (Mach 0.85–0.90) • 5,950 NM
  • Prime Island Destinations: St. Maarten (SXM), Nassau (NAS), Casa de Campo / La Romana (LRM), Turks & Caicos (PLS), St. Thomas (STT), Anguilla (AXA)

Typical Charter Rates & Associated Costs: Dassault Falcon 7X

  • Estimated Hourly Charter Rate: $8,800 – $11,800 per flight hour (dependent on origin hub and seasonal transatlantic/Caribbean demand)
  • Flight Crew & VIP Cabin Attendant Fees: Two type-rated captains plus dedicated flight attendant average $1,500 – $2,300/day
  • VIP FBO Handling, Landing & Ramp Fees: $950 – $2,100 per stop at major Caribbean FBO facilities (ExecuJet SXM, Odyssey NAS, Provo Air Center)
  • Overwater Permits, Catering & International Taxes: International customs/VIP lounge clearance ($500 – $950), bespoke catering, and island departure taxes ($100 – $190/pax)

Hard-to-Reach Caribbean Airports • Runway Engineering Solutions

Notoriously Challenging Caribbean Runways & the Aircraft Built to Solve Them

Several stunning destinations in the Caribbean present serious aviation challenges due to dramatic topography, steep approaches, cliffside drops, and remarkably short or unpaved runways. Because of these constraints, the vast majority of traditional private jets cannot land at these locations. Here are the specific aircraft engineered to solve them:

Challenge #1 • IATA: SAB Runway: 400 meters (1,312 feet)

1. Saba (Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport - SAB)

The Challenge: Saba holds the title for the shortest commercial runway in the world. At just 400 meters (1,312 feet) long, it is flanked by high volcanic cliffs on one side and sheer drops into the ocean on the other three. Strong, unpredictable crosswinds make it an extreme test of piloting.

The Aircraft Solution: de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter & Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander

  • The de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter (and BN-2 Islander). This specialized twin-engine turboprop is legendary for its exceptional Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities, allowing it to safely decelerate and stop on what essentially amounts to an aircraft carrier carved into a mountain.
Challenge #2 • IATA: SBH Runway: 646 meters (2,119 feet)

2. St. Barthélemy (St. Barts) (Gustaf III / Rémy de Haenen Airport - SBH)

The Challenge: St. Barts features a razor-thin 646-meter (2,119-foot) runway. The arrival is famous: aircraft must execute a steep, dramatic descent over a hilltop traffic roundabout and brake violently before running straight into the sands of St. Jean Beach.

The Aircraft Solution: Pilatus PC-12 & Cessna 208 Grand Caravan

  • The Pilatus PC-12 and Cessna 208 Grand Caravan. The Pilatus PC-12 is a high-tech single-engine turboprop originally built for tight alpine landings in Switzerland, making its heavy-braking performance perfect for SBH. The Grand Caravan's rugged utility design allows it to handle the aggressive angle of approach and short stopping distance smoothly.
Challenge #3 • IATA: VIJ Runway: Approx. 3,100 feet (Compacted Dirt / Gravel)

3. Virgin Gorda, BVI (Virgin Gorda Airport - VIJ)

The Challenge: Virgin Gorda features a short runway (approx. 3,100 feet) that is historically completely unpaved, consisting of a compacted dirt and gravel surface. Loose debris and high temperatures reduce jet engine efficiency and safety.

The Aircraft Solution: Cessna 208 Grand Caravan

  • The Cessna 208 Grand Caravan. With its high-clearance fixed landing gear and rugged undercarriage, the Caravan is explicitly built to take a beating from gravel and unpaved strips without sustaining the fuselage damage a low-slung private jet would suffer.
Challenge #4 • IATA: MQS Runway: Under 3,200 feet (Jets Strictly Prohibited)

4. Mustique, St. Vincent & the Grenadines (Mustique Airport - MQS)

The Challenge: This highly exclusive private island features a narrow runway under 3,200 feet surrounded by rolling hills, which create tricky wind shear conditions on final approach. Jets are strictly prohibited due to noise regulations and runway length.

The Aircraft Solution: Beechcraft King Air & Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander

  • The Beechcraft King Air and Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander. The twin-engine King Air offers a luxury interior matching the island's upscale clientele while easily meeting the short-field performance requirements. The Islander serves as an ultra-reliable regional shuttle that safely flies low and slow, shrugging off the tricky crosswinds.