Freight leaving Chicago on a charter is usually there because it is urgent, oversized, or both.
Boeing introduced the Boeing 737-400 Freighter in 1988. It seats crew only (cargo) with a published range of 2,000 nautical miles and a cruise of Mach 0.745 (~430 knots). The aircraft has a service ceiling of 37,000 feet, 4,580 cubic feet of baggage volume and a crew lavatory.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Cargo Aircraft
- Manufacturer: Boeing Commercial Airplanes (converted by AEI / IAI Bedek / Pemco)
- Year introduced: 1988
- Seating: Crew only (cargo)
- Crew: 2
- Range: 2,000 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.745 (~430 knots)
- Service ceiling: 37,000 feet
- Length: 119.6 feet
- Wingspan: 94.8 feet
- Height: 36.5 feet
- Baggage volume: 4,580 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Crew only
Why the Boeing 737-400 Freighter Fits Chicago
In this market the aircraft suits the trips that come up most often. With 2,000 nautical miles of published range, it covers trips from Chicago to destinations such as Washington, Naples, Florida and Cabo San Lucas, allowing for reserves and routing. Chicago demand runs south from November to April and north into the Michigan and Wisconsin lake country through the summer.
In Chicago this size of aircraft is usually discussed against Chicago Midway International (KMDW), DuPage Airport (KDPA), Gary/Chicago International (KGYY) and O’Hare (KORD), which carry the region’s longest runways and handle customs. Whether it can use a particular airport on your date is the operator’s performance calculation for that aircraft, that weight and that day, and your advisor will confirm it before anything is booked.
How Chicago Clients Use the Boeing 737-400 Freighter
Freight charters from the Midwest cover urgent parts movements, relief supplies and equipment that needs its own aircraft. Loading method matters as much as capacity, whether that is ramp, nose or door loading.
Tell us the route, the passenger count and what is traveling with you, and your advisor will confirm whether this aircraft is the right fit or point you to a better one. We will also tell you which Chicago-area field makes the most sense for the trip.
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
- Estimated hourly rate: $5,500 to $7,500 (as of 9/2026)
Contact
Call an advisor at +1-888-987-5387 at any hour, or send the trip through our contact page. You can read how we check operators, crews and insurance on our safety page.
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.