The Airbus A318 Elite is the smallest of the Airbus corporate jets and the entry point into airliner-size charter from Los Angeles. Fourteen to nineteen passengers in a cabin with a genuine airliner cross-section, and 4,200 nautical miles of range.
Airbus built the A318 Elite on the shortest A320-family airframe with a corporate interior and additional fuel tanks. Fourteen to nineteen seats, a cruise around Mach 0.78 and 4,200 nautical miles of range. Full specifications for the Airbus A318 Elite are published by Airbus Corporate Jets.
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 Los Angeles
Airliner cabin width for nineteen people is the whole proposition. Compared with a Global 6000 carrying a similar number, the A318 Elite offers standing room, separate zones and space to lay out a proper bedroom and office, which on a Los Angeles transcontinental or Pacific leg changes what the flight is for.
Airliner-size charter would no longer fall under FAR Part 135 standards but would possibly operate under FAR Part 121 or foreign equivalent standards. We confirm which applies to the specific aircraft before it goes on a quote, along with the foreign equivalent where an international leg is involved.
For a fully loaded departure the field choice matters. Ontario has 12,197 feet of runway and runs 24 hours with no curfew, and Los Angeles International has 12,923 feet, both of which suit an airliner leaving heavy for the east or across the Pacific.
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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 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
The A318 Elite quotes at the bottom of the VIP airliner band and above every conventional business jet, so it is worth pricing directly against a Global Express for the same group.
Other VIP Airliners Available
The full vip airliners category page lists every vip airliner we arrange for Los Angeles departures.
Contact
For a quote on a Airbus A318 Elite charter in or out of Los Angeles, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or head to 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.