The Piper PA-23 Aztec is a light twin-piston that has served Mexico’s short charter market for decades, a reliable and widely available aircraft for small groups on border crossings and coastal hops where cost is the dominant consideration.
Piper built the PA-23 Aztec as a twin-piston with Lycoming IO-540 engines and a straight-wing design suited to modest field lengths. It seats five passengers, cruises around 180 knots to 24,000 feet, and carries a range of roughly 970 nautical miles. Full specifications for the Piper PA-23 Aztec are published by Piper Aircraft.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Piston
- Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft
- Year introduced: 1959
- Seating: 5
- Crew: 1
- Range: 970 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 180 knots
- Service ceiling: 24,000 feet
- Length: 31.2 feet
- Wingspan: 37.2 feet
- Height: 10.3 feet
- Baggage volume: 27 cubic feet
Why the Piper PA-23 Aztec Fits Mexico
The Aztec is one of the most common light twins in Mexico’s commercial charter fleet, and its range and ceiling at 24,000 feet give it more practical reach than some newer single-engine alternatives at similar rates. Border city to Monterrey, South Texas to the Gulf coast, Florida to Cancun with a fuel stop: these are the routes that match the aircraft.
Ceiling of 24,000 feet means the Aztec can find some weather avoidance altitude that lower-ceiling pistons cannot, though it is still below the convective tops that Mexico’s summer season builds in the afternoon. Departure timing matters more on a piston twin than on a turboprop or jet.
The fleet is older and condition varies. We confirm the operator’s Part 135 certification, crew qualification on type, and the operator’s safety and incident history before any Mexico Aztec quote. That diligence is standard for any aircraft; the age profile of the Aztec fleet makes it especially relevant here.
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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 Piper PA-23 Aztec run $1,000 to $1,500 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
Other Pistons Available
- Beech Baron 58
- Beechcraft Baron G58
- Cessna 340
- Cirrus SR-22
- Piper Aerostar 600
- Piper Cherokee Six PA-32
The full pistons category page lists every piston we arrange for Mexico departures.
Contact
For a quote on a Piper PA-23 Aztec charter in or out of Mexico, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or 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.