Charter a Piper Navajo (PA31)

The Piper PA-31 Navajo is the aircraft that established Piper as a serious manufacturer of cabin-class twin-engine aircraft - and, through the PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, created one of the most successful commuter and charter platforms in general aviation history. The project began in 1962 at the request of company founder William T. Piper, under the internal name "Project Inca"; the prototype made its first flight on 30 September 1964; and deliveries began in 1967. The Navajo was immediately recognised for three distinctions: the longest cabin interior available in its class at 16 feet (4.88 m), the first factory-fitted air conditioning in a piston twin, and the distinctive "tiger shark" engine cowlings that became the Navajo family's visual trademark. Approximately 3,942 PA-31 aircraft were built across all variants before production ended in 1984, with licence manufacture in Argentina, Colombia and Brazil (Embraer EMB-820).

The PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain - the stretched, more powerful, counter-rotating variant announced in September 1972 - is the most widely available PA-31 in charter operations today. The Chieftain's fuselage was lengthened by 2 ft (61 cm) over the Navajo B, adding capacity for up to 10 seats in commuter configuration or a 6-seat executive layout, with 350 hp Lycoming TIO-540 counter-rotating engines. Plane+Pilot confirmed the Chieftain's "super-stretched 18-foot cabin" can serve as either an executive transport or light airliner - the most versatile cabin in the PA-31 family. Charter prices start from approximately £600 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Piper Navajo?

• Longest cabin in class at introduction; "tiger shark" cowlings; first factory air-conditioned piston twin; 16 ft Navajo / 18 ft Chieftain cabin. Plane+Pilot confirmed the original Navajo "was the first in its class to offer factory air-conditioning and the longest cabin interior available: 16 feet." The Chieftain's 18-foot (5.49 m) cabin is Plane+Pilot's "super-stretched" description for its ability to perform as either an executive transport or light airliner. The distinctive "tiger shark" engine cowlings - shared with the Twin Comanche and PA-23 Aztec - position the propeller blades well ahead of the cowling to bite into undisturbed air for greater propulsion efficiency, a Piper-patented design. Plane+Pilot noted the Navajo "full-time turbochargers have no special controls, and safety devices prevent overboost or turbine overspeeding" - a significant pilot workload reduction in 1967 that made the Navajo easier to operate than comparable turbocharged twins of the period;
• PA-31-350 Chieftain counter-rotating 350 hp engines; no critical engine; 10 seats maximum; the most capable PA-31 for charter groups of 6 to 9. Wikipedia confirmed the Chieftain introduced "counter-rotating propellers to prevent critical engine handling problems" - TIO-540-J2BD on the left and LTIO-540-J2BD counter-rotating on the right. The counter-rotating configuration eliminates asymmetric thrust differential between engines: either engine can fail with equivalent handling difficulty, with no "critical engine" that creates more dangerous yaw. Jettly confirmed Chieftain cruise at 205 to 225 kt with seating for up to 10 passengers at 7,045 lb gross weight. Air Charter Service confirmed a "corporate layout" of four club seats with two foldaway tables plus two rear seats, or a "commuter version" of eight seats. For charter groups of 6 to 9 the Chieftain's 18-foot cabin and counter-rotating engines make it the most capable option in the PA-31 family at the charter rates available;
• 3,942 aircraft built 1967-1984; 205-227 kt cruise; 26,300 ft ceiling; 1,012-1,290 nm range; lowest charter rate for a 6-8 seat cabin-class twin. GlobalMilitary confirmed approximately 3,942 PA-31 Navajos produced. Globalair confirmed the service ceiling of 26,300 ft and range of 1,012 nm at economy cruise on the base PA-31-310. Plane+Pilot documented optional nacelle tanks adding 54 gallons of fuel, increasing Chieftain maximum range to 1,485 miles (1,290 nm) with nacelle tanks. GlobalAir confirmed a 1,445 ft/min climb rate. Jettly confirmed fuel burn of 32 to 35 gph - competitive for a 6 to 8-seat cabin-class twin. For charter clients who want 6-plus-seat cabin-class performance at the lowest available twin-engine rate, the Navajo family provides it at approximately £600-800/hr versus light jet alternatives at £900/hr and above;
• PA-31P Pressurized Navajo - Piper's first pressurised aircraft; 425 hp; 6-8 passengers; pressurised cabin for above-weather cruise. Jettly confirmed the PA-31P Pressurized Navajo was "certified in late 1969" and was Piper's first pressurised aircraft. GlobalAir confirmed the PA-31P uses twin 425 hp Lycoming TIGO-541-E1A engines. Plane+Pilot confirmed "the Pressurized Navajo is powered by twin 425-hp Lycomings and provides executive class travel for six to eight." For charter clients who want pressurisation in a Navajo-family aircraft, the PA-31P is the variant to specify. The standard Navajo, Navajo B, C/R and Chieftain are all unpressurised - confirm the variant before booking if pressurisation is a requirement;
• Colemill Panther conversion; nacelle fuel tanks; Aspen glass cockpit retrofits - active aftermarket keeping the fleet current. Wikipedia confirmed the Colemill Panther conversion fits 350 hp Lycoming TIO-540-J2B engines, four-blade Hartzell Q-Tip propellers and optional winglets to the standard Navajo airframe, providing meaningful performance upgrades. Air Charter Service confirmed "most have been retrofitted with newer avionics such as the Aspen Evolution 2000C3 glass cockpit" due to the aircraft's age. Jettly confirmed many PA-31 aircraft "remain in commercial service decades after production ended, often retrofitted with modern glass cockpit avionics, GPS, and advanced autopilots." Plane+Pilot confirmed optional nacelle tanks available from 1981 provided 54 additional gallons. When booking a PA-31 for charter, confirm the avionics standard and engine variant;
• West Coast Airlines "MiniLiner" 1967; Finnish AF; Kenya AF VIP; Chilean Navy; French Navy; commuter airline history across five decades of global operations. Wikipedia confirmed West Coast Airlines began operating the PA-31 in scheduled passenger service in 1967 and "called the aircraft the 'MiniLiner'" - making it the first aircraft designated a "regular airline" service PA-31 operator. Military operators include the Finnish Air Force (PA-31-350 Chieftain for liaison transport), Kenya Air Force (Chieftain in VIP role), Chilean Navy, Colombian Air Force and Navy, French Navy, Spanish Air Force and Dominican Republic Air Force. The Navajo family's history from 1967 commuter airline service through 2025 active charter operations represents nearly six decades of continuous commercial use from an airframe that ceased production in 1984.

Charter cost - Piper Navajo prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £600 to £800 - reflecting the cabin-class twin capacity for 6 to 8 passengers at lower rates than the King Air series. Jettly confirmed charter rates for the Navajo Chieftain of approximately $1,127 per hour in the US market. For groups of 5 to 8 on short UK regional and European sectors where maximum cabin size at the lowest available group twin rate is the priority, the Navajo Chieftain provides the most seats per charter pound in the piston twin category.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Edinburgh - from £720 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £720 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £1,200 (7 passengers, approximately 2 hours);
• Edinburgh to Inverness - from £600 (7 passengers, approximately 40 minutes);
• London to Amsterdam - from £720 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Dublin - from £660 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• Manchester to Nice - from £1,680 (7 passengers, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes).

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

Ideal routes for the Piper Navajo

Best matched to short UK regional and European missions where 6 to 8-seat cabin-class capacity at minimum group charter rates serves groups that exceed the 4-seat Seneca or 5-seat Aztec:

• Groups of 6 to 8 where the Navajo Chieftain's 18-foot cabin provides the most seats at the lowest available group twin rate. The Navajo Chieftain's 18-foot cabin accommodates 6 to 8 passengers in corporate configuration and up to 10 in commuter layout. For groups of 6 to 8 this makes the Chieftain the most economical twin-engine option available - approximately £600-800/hr versus £900/hr for the King Air 90 at comparable or lower passenger capacity. Air Charter Service confirmed "the Chieftain is capable of short-haul flights such as London to Edinburgh or Boston to New York";
• Short UK regional sectors (30 to 90 minutes) at maximum group piston-twin rates. Edinburgh to Inverness, London to Belfast, Manchester to Cardiff and similar sub-90-minute UK hops with groups of 5 to 7 are the Navajo Chieftain's natural territory. At £600-720/hr for 7 passengers the per-person cost compares favourably with any other available charter option on these sectors. The Chieftain's access to smaller UK regional and Highland airfields provides direct routing that larger aircraft cannot match;
• Short European day trips (1 to 2 hours) within 1,012-1,290 nm range, for 6 to 8 passengers. Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and Dublin are all within 90 minutes at 207-225 kt cruise. With optional nacelle fuel tanks (available from 1981), Plane+Pilot confirmed Chieftain maximum range extends to 1,290 nm. For groups of 6 to 8 on standard European day trips where King Air 90 or Cheyenne rates are above budget, the Chieftain provides comparable seating at entry-level rates;
• Cargo, medevac and flexible-configuration missions where the 8-seat commuter layout converts to alternative uses. The PA-31-350's commuter airline heritage - confirmed by West Coast Airlines' "MiniLiner" service from 1967 and the Finnish Air Force's liaison use - reflects the type's flexibility between passenger and cargo roles. Air Charter Service confirmed "a passenger seat can be removed for more cargo capacity." The Navajo's long cabin and rear baggage access enable configuration flexibility that makes it a practical choice for mixed passenger-cargo and medical transfer missions;
• PA-31P Pressurized Navajo operations where a pressurised cabin is required at the lowest available pressurised twin rate. For charter clients who specify pressurisation but whose budget is below the Piper Cheyenne (£900/hr), the PA-31P Pressurized Navajo - when available - provides pressurised twin-engine travel with 6 to 8-seat capacity. The PA-31P uses 425 hp Lycoming TIGO-541-E1A engines. Confirm the PA-31P variant specifically before booking if pressurisation is required; the standard Navajo, Navajo B, C/R and Chieftain are all unpressurised.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Piper PA-31 Navajo cabin measures 3.4 m (11.2 ft) in the base Navajo, extending to approximately 5.49 m (18 ft) in the Navajo Chieftain after the 2-foot (61 cm) fuselage stretch. Cabin width is 1.10 m (3.6 ft) and height 1.29 m (4.2 ft) throughout the PA-31 family. Air Charter Service confirmed the Chieftain "cabin typically seats six or eight passengers" in charter configuration. The corporate layout provides four club seats separated by two foldaway tables, with two further seats at the rear; the commuter version seats eight. The baggage hold accommodates approximately five suitcases. Plane+Pilot confirmed a "full-time turbocharger" configuration requiring no special controls from the pilot - a practical simplification for charter crew.

Avionics vary widely by aircraft age and refurbishment. Air Charter Service confirmed "most have been retrofitted with newer avionics such as the Aspen Evolution 2000C3 glass cockpit." Garmin GNS 530 GPS and S-TEC autopilot are common upgrades on active charter aircraft. Confirm the avionics standard with the operator before booking. The standard Navajo and Chieftain are not pressurised; the PA-31P Pressurized Navajo is.

• Cabin (Navajo). 3.4 m x 1.10 m x 1.29 m; 16 ft; unpressurised;
• Cabin (Chieftain). 5.49 m (18 ft); +2 ft over Navajo; same width and height;
• Layout (Chieftain). 6-8 corporate; up to 10 commuter; club-4 + 2 rear or 8 commuter;
• Engines (Navajo B). 2 x TIO-540-E (310 hp each; turbocharged);
• Engines (Chieftain). TIO-540-J2BD (left, 350 hp) + LTIO-540-J2BD (right, 350 hp counter-rotating);
• Engines (Pressurized Navajo). 2 x TIGO-541-E1A (425 hp each; turbocharged; pressurised);
• Pressurised. PA-31P only; all other variants unpressurised;
• Avionics. Varies; most updated with Aspen Evolution or Garmin GNS 530 + S-TEC autopilot.

Technical specifications

Piper Navajo vs similar aircraft

• Piper Navajo Chieftain vs Piper Seneca V. The Seneca V has more modern Garmin G1000 avionics, counter-rotating propellers and lower fuel burn, but seats only 4 to 5 passengers in charter configuration (vs Chieftain's 6 to 8). The Chieftain's 18-foot cabin and 10-seat maximum provide significantly more group capacity at comparable charter rates (£600-800/hr). For groups of exactly 4, the Seneca V at £500-600/hr is the lower-rate option; for groups of 5 to 8, the Chieftain's cabin is the clear choice at comparable rates;
• Piper Navajo Chieftain vs Piper Aztec. The Aztec has a shorter 820-foot takeoff roll and higher 1,600 lb payload in a smaller cabin (5 seats maximum charter). The Chieftain counters with 6 to 8-seat capacity, the 18-foot cabin and counter-rotating propellers at comparable charter rates. For groups of 6 to 8, no other piston twin in the Private Jets UK fleet provides this capacity at the Navajo Chieftain's rate;
• Piper Navajo Chieftain vs King Air 90 (C90GTi). The King Air 90 is a pressurised turboprop at £900/hr with 275 kt cruise (vs Chieftain's 207-225 kt), 30,000 ft ceiling (vs 26,300 ft) and Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. Charter rates for the King Air 90 run approximately 20 to 30% above the Navajo Chieftain. For clients who want the Chieftain's group capacity without the King Air's rate premium, the Chieftain is the option; for pressurised cabin and turboprop performance the King Air 90 is the step up.

Frequently asked questions - Piper Navajo charter

How much does it cost to charter a Piper Navajo?
Charter rates run from approximately £600 to £800 per flight hour. London to Edinburgh costs from £720 for 7 passengers. London to Paris costs from £720. London to Geneva costs from £1,200. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

What is the difference between the Piper Navajo and Navajo Chieftain?
The Navajo Chieftain (PA-31-350) is the stretched version - the fuselage was lengthened by 2 ft (61 cm), adding capacity from 5-7 to up to 10 seats. The Chieftain uses 350 hp Lycoming TIO-540 counter-rotating engines (vs the standard Navajo's 310 hp same-rotation engines), increasing MTOW from 6,500 lb to 7,000 lb. The counter-rotating propellers eliminate the critical engine handling problem of the standard Navajo. The Chieftain is the variant most commonly available in charter operations today.

Is the Piper Navajo pressurised?
The standard Navajo, Navajo B, Navajo C/R and Navajo Chieftain are all unpressurised. Only the PA-31P Pressurized Navajo (powered by 425 hp Lycoming TIGO-541-E1A engines) has a pressurised cabin. The PA-31P was Piper's first pressurised aircraft, certified in 1969-1970. Confirm the PA-31P variant specifically before booking if pressurisation is required for your mission.

How many passengers can fly on a Piper Navajo Chieftain?
Six to eight in the standard corporate configuration: four club seats with foldaway tables plus two to four rear seats. Up to ten seats in commuter configuration (including co-pilot seat). In charter operations, Air Charter Service confirmed "a further passenger can sit in the cockpit with a single pilot if the aircraft is owned, but this isn't available for a charter." Baggage capacity is approximately five suitcases in the hold.

What is the Colemill Panther conversion of the Piper Navajo?
The Colemill Panther conversion replaces the standard Navajo engines with 350 hp Lycoming TIO-540-J2B engines and four-blade Hartzell Q-Tip propellers, with optional winglets. Wikipedia confirmed the supplemental type certificates were subsequently sold to Mike Jones Aircraft Sales, which continues to perform the conversion. The Panther provides improved cruise speed, better single-engine performance and reduced noise versus the original Navajo engine installation.