Popular
1997 Fairchild Metro 23
- January 29, 2023
Fairchild Metro Series for Sale — Buy or Sell a Swearingen Merlin or Metro Turboprop Worldwide
The Fairchild Metro Series — including the Swearingen Merlin, Metro II, Metro III, Metro 23, and Expediter freighter variants — represents one of the most commercially successful and operationally proven commuter and cargo turboprop platforms in aviation history. Designed by Ed Swearingen and developed through a partnership with Fairchild Industries from the late 1960s, the Metro's distinctive narrow-body pressurised fuselage, powerful Garrett TPE331 engines, and rugged construction made it the workhorse of regional airlines and express cargo operators throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Today, Fairchild Metro aircraft for sale attract freight operators, skydiving centres, and specialty aviation companies who need a fast, capable twin turboprop at a competitive acquisition cost. Airplane Trade is the leading global marketplace for Metro and Merlin aircraft worldwide.
History of the Fairchild Metro
Ed Swearingen began developing the Metro in the mid-1960s as an evolution of his highly successful Merlin business twin. The original Swearingen SA226-TC Metro received FAA type certification in 1969 and entered service with commuter airlines who needed a pressurised, nineteen-seat twin turboprop capable of operating from regional airports with short runways. The partnership with Fairchild Industries, formalised in 1971, provided the manufacturing and marketing resources needed to scale production, and the aircraft was progressively developed through a series of refinements. The Metro II (1974) introduced a circular fuselage cross-section and strengthened airframe; the Metro III (1981) added extended winglets and improved Garrett TPE331-11U engines; the Metro 23 (1991) brought increased MTOW to 16,000 lb and extended range. The Expediter variants were purpose-built freighters with reinforced floors and cargo doors. Raytheon Aircraft acquired the programme in 1994, continuing production of the Metro 23 and Expediter until the early 2000s.
Metro Series Variants
- Swearingen SA226-TC Metro / Metro II — Original and first major revision; two Garrett TPE331-3 or TPE331-6 engines, 840–900 shp each; 19-seat pressurised commuter; circular fuselage; widely used by regional airlines.
- Fairchild SA227-AC Metro III — Extended wingspan with winglets; TPE331-11U engines, 1,000 shp each; increased range and improved performance; the most common variant on the used market.
- Fairchild SA227-BC Metro 23 — Increased MTOW to 16,500 lb; TPE331-12UAR engines; extended range; suitable for thin-route regional operations and parachute services.
- Fairchild SA227-CC Expediter — Pure freighter variant; no cabin windows; reinforced floor; large cargo door; widely used by FedEx, UPS, and regional cargo carriers.
- Swearingen SA26-T Merlin IIB / SA226-T Merlin III — Executive business twins derived from the same basic design; fewer seats; higher appointed interior; used as corporate shuttles and charter aircraft.
Performance — Fairchild SA227-AC Metro III
- Engines — Two Garrett TPE331-11U, 1,000 shp each
- Maximum Speed — 324 mph (282 knots / 521 km/h)
- Cruise Speed — 290 mph (252 knots / 467 km/h) at 25,000 ft
- Range — 1,000 miles (1,610 km) with 19 passengers
- Service Ceiling — 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
- Rate of Climb — 2,600 ft/min (sea level, MTOW)
- MTOW — 14,500 lb (6,577 kg)
- Cabin Pressurisation — 5.0 psi differential
- Seating — 19 passengers (commuter configuration)
Why the Metro Remains in Demand
The Fairchild Metro offers a rare combination of attributes that continue to attract operators decades after production ended. The narrow, circular fuselage is aerodynamically clean and produces excellent cruise performance despite modest installed power. The Garrett TPE331 engines — known for jet-like spool-up response and exceptional hot-and-high capability — give the Metro performance that rivals much larger and more expensive twin turboprops. The aircraft's pressurised cabin allows comfortable operation at FL250, above most weather, making it highly effective for both passenger and cargo services on thin routes. The existing global fleet means that parts availability and experienced maintenance technicians are readily accessible, and acquisition costs for well-maintained examples remain competitive relative to newer aircraft with comparable capability.
Buying a Fairchild Metro — Key Considerations
- Engine Hours (SMOH) — TPE331 engines have a TBO of 3,600 hours; overhaul costs are $150,000–$250,000 per engine; assess hours and budget carefully.
- Hot Section Inspection — Mandatory at 1,800-hour intervals; review records and assess findings from the most recent inspection.
- Airframe Cycles — Commercial Metros can accumulate very high cycles; verify all structural inspections are current and airframe fatigue limits are not being approached.
- Pressurisation System — Inspect door seals, outflow valves, and pressurisation controller carefully; deferred maintenance here is common in high-utilisation commercial aircraft.
- Avionics — Verify ADS-B out compliance; many older Metros require avionics upgrades to meet current regulatory requirements for IFR operations.
- Type Rating — The Metro requires a specific type rating; ensure your flight crew holds appropriate qualifications before acquisition.
Find Your Fairchild Metro on Airplane Trade
Airplane Trade is the premier global marketplace for twin turboprop commuter and cargo aircraft including the full Fairchild Metro and Swearingen Merlin family. Browse verified listings from cargo operators, charter companies, and specialist dealers across North America, Europe, South America, and Africa. Each listing includes complete engine status, airframe cycles, avionics details, and direct seller contact. Whether you are sourcing a Metro III for a parachute operation or an Expediter for a freight network, Airplane Trade connects you with the right aircraft worldwide.