When a Nantucket group is too large for a business jet, the trip calls for an airliner-size aircraft.
Boeing introduced the Boeing 727-251 VIP in 1967. It is flown by a crew of 3. The type carries 25 to 43 passengers, cruises at Mach 0.82 (about 467 knots) knots, tops out at 42,000 feet, covers 2,170 nautical miles and holds 1100 cubic feet of baggage. Full specifications for the Boeing 727-251 VIP are published by Boeing Business Jets.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: VIP Airliner
- Manufacturer: Boeing
- Year introduced: 1967
- Seating: 25 to 43
- Crew: 3
- Range: 2,170 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.82 (about 467 knots)
- Service ceiling: 42,000 feet
- Length: 153.2 feet
- Wingspan: 108 feet
- Height: 34.9 feet
- Baggage volume: 1,100 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Multiple lavatories
Why the Boeing 727-251 VIP Fits Nantucket
Aircraft this size need the ramp space and the handling for them, and on the island that means Nantucket Memorial (KACK).
A published range of 2,170 nautical miles brings Dallas, Houston, Denver and Aspen within reach of Nantucket, before the operator applies reserves and routing for the day.
There is no customs on Nantucket, so an international trip clears on the mainland. Cape Cod Gateway Airport at Hyannis is the nearest customs landing rights airport, and Martha’s Vineyard has none either.
Aircraft with more than nine passenger seats need two hours’ prior permission at Nantucket Memorial Airport, which covers most aircraft in this class. Your advisor makes that call, and it is one reason we ask for your timings early. Martha’s Vineyard requires prior permission twenty-four hours in advance.
Above nineteen passengers the aircraft required would fall into regional airliner, or airliner-size. These trips would no longer fall under the FAR Part 135 standards but possibly operate under FAR Part 121 or foreign equivalent standards. Part 121 and equivalent generally carry stricter crew and operating requirements than FAR Part 91 and FAR Part 135.
Gallery
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.
- 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 Boeing 727-251 VIP run $15,000 to $20,000 per hour as of 9/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
Other VIP Airliners Available
Contact
For a quote on a Boeing 727-251 VIP charter to or from Nantucket, call 1-888-987-5387 or visit 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.