FAIRCHILD SWEARINGEN METRO III

• Passengers 19

The Fairchild Swearingen Metro III is a classically designed, pressurised twin turboprop airliner that’s seen extensive commercial and charter service worldwide.

About this aircraft

• Certified in 1980 and delivered in 1981, the Metro III is an upgrade of the Metro II with greater takeoff weight, more efficient engines, greater wing span and better economy.
• With a range of around 3,241 km, it’s ideal for short-haul flights around Europe or the United States.
• Originally designed for 22 passengers, the aircraft’s maximum configuration seats 19. Some aircraft have been retrofitted for much fewer seats.
• The baggage hold has space for up to 15 kg of luggage per person.

Despite a slow start to sales in the early 1970s, the Metro series of 19-seat commuter aircraft grew in popularity. A more economical version of the Metro II, the Metro III is a comfortable short-haul charter option without the bells and whistles of a newer aircraft.

Interior design

The Fairchild Swearingen Metro III’s air-conditioned interior usually has 19 seats arranged in a 1:1 formation, however some models have been retrofitted with fewer seats over the years. There’s an enclosed lavatory at the rear of the aircraft.

Below are two possible configurations on a Fairchild Swearingen Metro III.

Interesting facts to learn before you fly

• Some Metro IIIs are configured with just nine seats, giving passengers more legroom and allowing airlines to employ pilots with fewer flight hours.
• A select few have been retrofitted with better technology and larger, comfier seats.
• A later upgrade, the Metro 23 EF, has an external pod under the lower fuselage for greater baggage capacity.

Technological features

The Metro III is powered by two Garrett TPE331-12UHR-701G four-propellered turboprop engines. Some variations have two Garrett TPE331-3UW-303G engines, while newer models may feature two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6As.

History

Dating back to the original Swearingen Merlin I, the Metro series almost never existed. Swearingen faced collapse in the early 1970s until Fairchild took a controlling stake in the company, with the first Metro entering commercial service in 1973.

The Metro II followed in 1975 with a quieter cabin, before the first Metro III was delivered in 1981 with even more improvements. Additional variations including the Metro 23 were built, until production ceased in 2001.

Manufacturer

Swearingen Aircraft was founded by American aeronautical engineer Ed Swearingen in 1959. The Texas-based company initially developed prototype aircraft for other manufacturers, evolving Beechcraft’s Twin Bonanza into the Queen Air and Excalibur.

The Excalibur inspired the development of Swearingen’s first in-house aircraft, the SA26 Merlin, followed by the Metro. A Fairchild takeover saved the company from financial ruin in 1972 and it was eventually renamed Fairchild Aircraft Corporation following Ed Swearingen’s departure. Over 1,000 Merlins and Metros were built until production ended in 1998.

Swearingen formed a new company, known today as SyberJet Aircraft, and went back to modifying aircraft before developing the SJ30-2 long-range business jet.

Cost

Depending on many factors, the average price of a pre-owned Fairchild Swearingen Metro III is over $600,000 (USD).

Charter rates

Charter rates for the Fairchild Swearingen Metro III can vary greatly depending on the length of the journey you have planned, as well as the airports you decide to fly in and out of.

Contact our team to book a private charter flight on the Fairchild Swearingen Metro III. For information on other private jets to charter, browse our list of available aircraft.

Wet lease rates

ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) wet lease rates for the Fairchild Swearingen Metro III can vary depending on the age of the aircraft, length of the lease term, the number of block hours being guaranteed and the average cycle ratio.