Charter a Hawker 700

The Hawker 700 is a midsize business jet with origins in the de Havilland DH.125 Jet Dragon, which first flew in August 1962 - one of the longest-running and most successful business jet programmes in aviation history. After de Havilland was absorbed into the Hawker Siddeley group, the design was refined through the Series 400 and Series 600 (whose stretched fuselage increased cabin capacity from six to eight passengers) before reaching its definitive turbofan form as the HS.125-700. The first HS.125-700 flew on 19 June 1976, powered by Garrett TFE731-3R-1H engines that delivered a substantial improvement in cruise speed, range and fuel efficiency over the Rolls-Royce Viper turbojets of the earlier variants. US and UK certification followed in mid-1977. Production continued until 1984, when the HS.125-700 was succeeded by the HS.125-800 (later Hawker 800), with 243 aircraft built across the 700 series.

The Hawker 700 is powered by two Honeywell TFE731-3R-1H turbofan engines at 3,700 lbf each - the same engine family that satisfied Stage III anti-noise requirements without costly modification, a practical advantage over competing business jets of the same era. The 6.49 m stand-up cabin seats eight passengers in standard double-club configuration with a ninth in the enclosed aft lavatory. A notable aerodynamic feature is the "lift-dump" system: wing spoilers combined with flaps extended to 75 degrees develop aerodynamic drag immediately after touchdown, shortening landing distance without heavy brake loads. Charter prices start from approximately £1,500 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Hawker 700?

• Garrett TFE731-3R-1H turbofans - Stage III noise compliant without modification; first turbofan-powered 125 series. The introduction of the Garrett (now Honeywell) TFE731-3R-1H engines on the HS.125-700 was the defining upgrade of the series - replacing the Rolls-Royce Viper turbojets of the Series 400 and 600 with modern turbofan technology. The TFE731 meets Stage III anti-noise requirements without the costly hush-kitting modifications required on many competing jets of the same era. Each engine produces 3,700 lbf with a 4,200-hour inspection interval - a practical operating economy for a vintage aircraft. The turbofan combustion cycle also significantly reduced fuel consumption versus the earlier Viper-powered variants, enabling the 700's intercontinental range;
• DH.125 lineage - direct ancestor of the Hawker 800, Hawker 800XP and Hawker 900XP. The Hawker 700 occupies the same airframe lineage as the Hawker 800, 800XP and 900XP - a lineage with over 1,000 aircraft ordered across all 125 series variants. The cabin cross-section, rear-mounted twin engines, T-tail and low-wing configuration that define the Hawker 700 transferred unchanged into the Hawker 800 and 800XP. For operators familiar with the Hawker 800 series, the Hawker 700 is a directly comparable experience in a more economical vintage aircraft. Parts availability benefits from the depth of the wider 125 series support network;
• Stand-up 1.83 m cabin - 6.49 m long; larger than Learjet 55 and Citation III of the same era. FlyCraft noted that the Hawker 700 passenger compartment is "bigger than that of competitive airplanes, such as the Learjet 55 and Citation III." At 6.49 m long, 1.75 m wide and 1.83 m high, the Hawker 700 cabin provides full stand-up height and a genuine double-club layout for eight passengers - a standard that most competing light jets of the late 1970s and early 1980s could not match. The enclosed aft lavatory with belted seat provides a ninth position when required;
• "Lift-dump" system - wing spoilers and 75-degree flaps reduce landing distance after touchdown. The Hawker 700 incorporates a distinctive aerodynamic braking system: wing spoilers combined with flaps extended to 75 degrees are deployed immediately after touchdown to develop aerodynamic drag, reducing landing distance without relying exclusively on wheel brakes. This system - unusual for a business jet of any era - allows the Hawker 700 to operate comfortably from shorter runways and reduces brake wear on all operations. Combined with the TFE731's good short-field performance, the Hawker 700 can access regional airports unavailable to many competing midsize jets;
• 2,550 nm range - London to Milan, New York to Miami non-stop; 436 kt max cruise. The Hawker 700 achieves 2,550 nm (4,725 km) range at maximum fuel with IFR reserves - sufficient for New York to Miami, London to Milan and most European inter-capital routes non-stop. Maximum cruise speed is 436 kt (808 km/h) at altitude; economical cruise is 390 kt (723 km/h). The 700B variant (built for non-North American operators) achieves a 43,000 ft ceiling versus the 700A's 41,000 ft. For charter clients on short to medium European missions, the Hawker 700's range comfortably covers UK to Mediterranean non-stop;
• Avionics upgrade options - most aircraft modernised with Collins Pro Line suite and ADS-B Out. The Hawker 700 was originally fitted with analogue instruments and Collins APS-80 autopilot typical of the mid-1970s. Most aircraft in active charter service have been upgraded with modern avionics: WAAS/LPV approach capability, ADS-B Out for current airspace compliance, upgraded GPS/communications and frequently a Collins Pro Line suite replacing the original analogue panels. Navigation meets current European airspace requirements on updated aircraft. For charter clients, the avionics standard of any specific Hawker 700 should be confirmed with the operator.

Charter cost - Hawker 700 prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £1,500 to £2,000 - in the midsize category, below the Hawker 800XP and comparable to the Citation Excel. For 5 to 8 passengers on UK regional and European missions, the Hawker 700 provides a stand-up cabin and 436 kt cruise at vintage midsize rates.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Edinburgh - from £1,800 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour);
• London to Geneva - from £3,000 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £1,875 (7 passengers, approximately 55 minutes);
• London to Milan - from £3,750 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes);
• London to Nice - from £3,375 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes);
• Edinburgh to Istanbul - from £9,000 (7 passengers, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes);
• London to Dublin - from £2,250 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes).

Empty Leg flights appear on repositioning routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the Hawker 700

Best matched to UK regional and European missions where the 2,550 nm range, stand-up 6.49 m cabin and vintage midsize rates serve groups of 5 to 8:

• UK regional connections (45 to 90 minutes) - stand-up cabin at vintage rates. Edinburgh, Manchester, Belfast, Cardiff and Inverness are all within comfortable range. The 6.49 m stand-up cabin provides a working environment for 7 to 8 passengers that exceeds most competing vintage aircraft on these shorter sectors. The "lift-dump" aerodynamic braking system allows operations from UK regional airfields with shorter runways inaccessible to less capable midsize aircraft;
• Short European business day trips (1 to 2 hours). Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Geneva and Nice are all within 1 to 2 hours at 436 kt cruise. For groups of 5 to 8 where a stand-up double-club cabin at vintage rates is preferred over a modern narrow-cabin VLJ, the Hawker 700 is the practical choice. The forward galley and enclosed aft lavatory provide the basic amenities for European day sectors without the space compromise of competing older aircraft;
• Longer European sectors to Mediterranean and Eastern Europe (2 to 3 hours). Rome, Istanbul, Athens, Warsaw and Marrakech are all within range. At 2,550 nm maximum range the Hawker 700 covers all European capitals non-stop from UK airports. The economical cruise of 390 kt at higher altitude optimises fuel efficiency on these longer sectors. The 700B variant's 43,000 ft ceiling provides additional weather avoidance capability on longer Mediterranean routing;
• Budget-conscious corporate groups where cabin space at lowest rates matters. At £1,500 to £2,000 per hour, the Hawker 700 provides an 8-passenger stand-up cabin at rates that compete with turboprops. For corporate clients whose priority is the most cabin space per pound of charter cost on European missions, the Hawker 700 offers a value proposition no comparable new-build aircraft can match. The low pre-owned acquisition price means charter rates are meaningfully below modern equivalents;
• Military and government pedigree - operated by Brazilian Air Force, Japan JSDF, Pakistan Navy. The Hawker 700 was adopted by multiple military and government operators including the Brazilian Air Force, Japan Self-Defense Force, Pakistan Navy and others. This military service record reflects the structural durability and mission flexibility of the 125 series platform. For charter clients who value proven platform longevity, the Hawker 700's continued active service across government and commercial operations is an independent reliability endorsement.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Hawker 700 cabin measures 6.49 m long, 1.75 m wide and 1.83 m high - stand-up height throughout. Eight passengers travel in a standard double-club layout with forward galley and enclosed aft lavatory; a ninth seat is available via the belted lavatory position. The interior is typically configured with forward and aft closets, leather club seating and wooden fold-out tables. FlyCraft noted the cabin is "bigger than that of competitive airplanes, such as the Learjet 55 and Citation III." Stage III noise compliance is achieved without modification.

Most active aircraft have been modernised: common upgrades include Collins Pro Line avionics, WAAS/LPV approach capability, ADS-B Out and updated GPS/communications. Original aircraft used Collins APS-80 autopilot. The baggage compartment holds 40 ft³ (approximately four suitcases). Two TFE731-3R-1H engines at 3,700 lbf with 263 gph fuel burn at cruise. The "lift-dump" system deploys wing spoilers and 75-degree flaps after touchdown.

• Cabin. 6.49 m x 1.75 m x 1.83 m; stand-up; double-club; 8 passengers;
• Layout. Forward galley; aft enclosed lavatory (9th belted seat available); forward and aft closets;
• Noise. Stage III compliant without modification (TFE731-3R-1H);
• Landing. "Lift-dump" system: wing spoilers + 75-degree flaps after touchdown;
• Baggage. 40 ft³ / 1.4 m³ (~4 suitcases);
• Engines. 2 x Honeywell TFE731-3R-1H (3,700 lbf; 4,200-hour inspection interval); 263 gph;
• Avionics. Most updated: Collins Pro Line / WAAS / ADS-B Out / GPS (original: Collins APS-80);
• Variants. 700A (41,000 ft ceiling; North America); 700B (43,000 ft; rest of world).

Technical specifications

Hawker 700 vs similar aircraft

• Hawker 700 vs Hawker 800XP. The Hawker 800XP is the direct successor - first flew 1983, certified 1995 in XP form. It has more powerful TFE731-5BR-1H engines (4,660 lbf vs 3,700 lbf), greater range (approximately 2,540 nm vs 2,550 nm - comparable), EFIS glass cockpit and more modern avionics. Charter rates for the Hawker 800XP run approximately 20 to 30% higher. The Hawker 700 counters with the same stand-up cabin cross-section (1.75 m vs 1.83 m wide on 800XP - the 800 is slightly wider), Stage III noise compliance and substantially lower charter rates. For clients whose mission fits within 2,000 nm and who value economy over avionics modernity, the Hawker 700 is the appropriate choice;
• Hawker 700 vs Cessna Citation Excel (XLS). The Citation Excel has more modern Garmin G5000 avionics (XLS+), higher cruise speed and more range in newer variants. Charter rates are broadly comparable. The Hawker 700 counters with a longer cabin (6.49 m vs Excel's approximately 5.64 m), stand-up height matching the Excel, 8 passengers in the same configuration, and a lower charter rate on vintage aircraft. For clients prioritising cabin length and lower rates over avionics currency, the Hawker 700 is competitive;
• Hawker 700 vs Learjet 55. The Learjet 55 is the primary US-market competitor from the same era - higher cruise speed (Mach 0.81 vs Mach 0.77), similar range and a slightly narrower cabin. FlyCraft specifically noted the Hawker 700 cabin is larger than the Learjet 55's. The Hawker 700 counters with the wider cabin, Stage III noise compliance without modification (the Learjet 55 required hush-kitting), the "lift-dump" aerodynamic braking system and lower charter rates. For groups of 7 to 8 where cabin space matters more than maximum cruise speed, the Hawker 700 is preferable.

Frequently asked questions - Hawker 700 charter

How much does it cost to charter a Hawker 700?
Charter rates run from approximately £1,500 to £2,000 per flight hour. London to Geneva costs from £3,000 for 7 passengers. London to Edinburgh costs from £1,800. London to Paris costs from £1,875. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

What is the "lift-dump" system on the Hawker 700?
The "lift-dump" system deploys wing spoilers combined with flaps extended to 75 degrees immediately after touchdown to develop aerodynamic drag and reduce landing distance. This system is unusual for a business jet and reduces reliance on wheel brakes, shortening the landing roll and reducing brake wear. It allows the Hawker 700 to operate comfortably from shorter runways that longer landing-roll aircraft cannot use.

How does the Hawker 700 compare to the Hawker 800?
The Hawker 800 (HS.125-800) is the direct successor to the Hawker 700, introducing more powerful TFE731-5 series engines, a reprofiled nose and windscreen, extended fin leading edge, greater span wing and the first EFIS glass cockpit on a corporate jet. Range improved marginally; speed increased. The Hawker 700 shares the same stand-up cabin cross-section, rear-mounted twin TFE731 engines and T-tail configuration. Charter rates for the Hawker 700 run approximately 20 to 30% below the Hawker 800XP.

How many passengers can fly on a Hawker 700?
Eight in standard double-club configuration with forward galley and enclosed aft lavatory; nine with the belted lavatory seat. The 6.49 m stand-up cabin with leather club seating and wooden fold-out tables provides the same general layout as the later Hawker 800 series.

Is the Hawker 700 Stage III noise compliant?
Yes - the Honeywell TFE731-3R-1H turbofans on the Hawker 700 meet Stage III anti-noise requirements without the costly hush-kitting modifications required on many competing business jets of the same era. The TFE731's lower exhaust velocity design produces a significantly smaller noise footprint than the Rolls-Royce Viper turbojets it replaced in the earlier 125 series variants.