The Israel Aircraft Industries Westwind I is a 1970s super light that still shows up in the Naples charter market at a lower price point than the modern Phenom 300 and Learjet 75. Range is roughly 2,200 nautical miles, the cabin is tighter than newer super lights, and the price per hour reflects the age of the airframe rather than the mission it can fly.
IAI produced the Westwind I from 1972 through 1979 as an upgrade of the earlier Rockwell Jet Commander. The type carries two Garrett TFE731 turbofans, a stand-up cabin trimmed for seven, and tip tanks that give it the range to cross the Atlantic in operator service, unusual for a super light of its era. Production shifted to the Westwind II in 1980.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Super Light Jet
- Manufacturer: Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)
- Year introduced: 1976-1987
- Seating: 7 to 10
- Crew: 2
- Range: 1,840 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 390 knots
- Service ceiling: 45,000 feet
- Length: 52.3 feet
- Wingspan: 44.4 feet
- Height: 15.8 feet
- Baggage volume: 49 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Belted
Why the Westwind I Fits Naples
For a price-sensitive Naples client (typically a one-time family trip rather than a snowbird owner), the Westwind I opens up a nonstop New York-to-Naples or Chicago-to-Naples flight at a rate closer to a light jet’s. Runway needs (5,900 ft at MTOW) are inside the APF envelope on cool mornings but push the margin on July afternoons; operators plan the departure temperature into the trip sheet.
The type is aging and pre-Stage 3 noise-compliant airframes are being retired; expect operator availability out of Naples to shrink each year. When it does come up, it is usually a repositioning flight from an operator based in the Midwest or Northeast where the Westwind still earns its keep.
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; 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 Westwind I run $3,500 to $4,500 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
Other Super Light Jets Available
Contact
For a quote on a Westwind I charter in or out of Naples, 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.