Burbank Airport's Largest Plane Operations: Size Limits Explained

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Hollywood Burbank Airport, previously the largest commercial airport in the Los Angeles area, has seen its fair share of large planes over the years, including the 767, 757, 707s, and L-1011. In 1986, United Airlines operated the largest passenger airliner ever to serve the airport, the Boeing 767-200, which flew non-stop to Chicago O'Hare Airport. The airport has also seen the operation of private jets, with companies like Paramount Business Jets offering chartered flights with as little as four hours' notice.

Characteristics Values
Runway Length 6,886 ft (2,099 m)
Runway Width 150 ft (46 m)
Runway Elevation 778 ft (237 m)
Aircraft Types Boeing 727-100, 727-200, 767-200; McDonnell Douglas MD-80, DC-9-10, DC-9-30; Douglas DC-8, DC-9, C-53, C-5; Airbus A310/300, A320; Lockheed L-1011, L-1049H Super Constellation; Learjet 35A, 60; Beechjet 400A; Citation V; Hawker 800XP; Falcon 2000; Challenger 604

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History of Burbank Airport

Hollywood Burbank Airport, located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown Burbank, has undergone several name changes and has a long history of serving the Los Angeles area.

Early History

The airport was initially constructed by United Aircraft and Transport Corporation, a partnership between Boeing and United Airlines, and it opened as United Airport on Memorial Day weekend in 1930. The airport featured a Spanish Revival-style terminal and was, at the time, the largest commercial airport in the Los Angeles area. The runways at Burbank Airport were initially not paved, instead using a mixture of oil and sand, and the airport had room for expansion.

Name Changes and Ownership Transitions

In 1934, the airport was renamed Union Air Terminal after the dissolution of the United Aircraft and Transport holding company due to federal anti-trust actions. This name remained until 1940, when Lockheed bought the airport and renamed it Lockheed Air Terminal. The airport underwent several more name changes, reflecting its evolving ownership: Hollywood-Burbank Airport (1967-1978), Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport (1978-2003), and Bob Hope Airport (since 2003). In 2017, it was rebranded as Hollywood Burbank Airport due to a lack of recognition of Bob Hope Airport's geographic region.

Notable Incidents

Over the years, Hollywood Burbank Airport has seen several notable incidents. In 1962, a Flying Tiger Line Lockheed L-1049H Super Constellation freighter crashed in dense fog during an instrument landing system approach, resulting in multiple fatalities. In 2005, a JetBlue Flight experienced nose gear failure and safely made an emergency landing at a different airport. The airport has also been known to accommodate various large planes, including DC-8s, 767s, 757s, and 707s.

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Aircraft that have used the airport

Hollywood Burbank Airport, originally United Airport, has been in operation since 1930. At the time, it was the largest commercial airport in the Los Angeles area. Over the years, the airport has seen a variety of aircraft, from small planes with tail skids instead of wheels to large jets.

In the 1960s, jets started arriving at Burbank Airport. Some of the early jet aircraft that used the airport include the Boeing 727-100, flown by Pacific Air Lines, and the Douglas DC-9-10 and McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30, flown by Hughes Airwest. In 1967, the airport was renamed Hollywood-Burbank Airport by Lockheed, who owned the airport at the time.

The largest passenger airliner ever to serve Burbank Airport was the United Airlines Boeing 767-200, which operated nonstop flights to Chicago O'Hare Airport in 1986. Other large aircraft that have used the airport include the Airbus A310/300 freighter, the Lockheed L-1011, and the C-5.

In recent years, the airport has continued to see a variety of aircraft, including the Southwest Boeing 737 and the JetBlue Airbus A320. The airport now has a strict voluntary noise abatement procedure in place to reduce the noise of arriving and departing aircraft.

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Private jet charter flights

When it comes to private jet charter flights in Burbank, there are several reputable companies that can cater to your needs. These companies, including Los Angeles Private Jets, Paramount Business Jets, and Fly XO, provide a range of aircraft options and tailored services to ensure your comfort and convenience.

The cost of renting a private jet to or from Burbank will vary depending on factors such as the type of aircraft, the distance travelled, and the duration of your stay. For example, a private jet flight from Burbank to Las Vegas on a very light jet with four passengers can cost around $4,500, while a flight to Denver with six passengers on a light jet can be priced at approximately $13,000.

When booking a private jet charter flight, it's important to be aware of the additional costs that may not be included in the hourly charter rate. These can include fuel, taxes, and operational fees. By requesting a free quote or speaking with a private aviation consultant, you can gain a clearer understanding of the all-inclusive charter flight pricing.

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Aviation safety concerns

Aviation safety is a critical concern at all airports, and Hollywood Burbank Airport has had its fair share of incidents over the years. The airport has a history of accommodating various large aircraft, including the Boeing 727, 757, 767, and even freighters like the Airbus A310/300. While it is challenging to pinpoint the exact largest plane currently operating at Burbank Airport, it is clear that safety considerations play a pivotal role in aircraft operations. Here are some insights into aviation safety concerns related to this topic:

Runway Length and Aircraft Performance:

The length of the runway at Burbank Airport is a factor that limits the operations of larger aircraft. The performance of an aircraft, including takeoff and landing requirements, is a critical consideration. Longer runways are typically needed for larger planes, and if the runway is insufficient, it can impact an aircraft's ability to take off or land safely.

Proximity of Passenger Terminal to Runway:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified a long-standing safety issue regarding the proximity of the passenger terminal to the runway at Bob Hope Airport (formerly known as Burbank Airport). In 1986, the FAA prohibited planes from taking off to the east due to concerns about the terminal's closeness to the runway. Recent incidents, such as two planes flying dangerously close to each other above the airfield, have brought this "proximity issue" back into focus.

Runway Incursions and Near Collisions:

Runway incursions and near collisions are significant safety concerns at any airport, including Burbank. In February 2023, a Mesa Airlines CRJ900 initiated a go-around as a SkyWest Embraer E175 was taking off from the same runway, avoiding a potential collision. This incident was one of several runway incursions under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that year. These events highlight the critical importance of air traffic control and clear communication to prevent accidents.

Aircraft Mechanical Failures:

Mechanical failures can lead to emergency situations and have occurred at Burbank Airport. In 2005, a JetBlue Flight departing from Burbank experienced a nose gear malfunction, forcing an emergency landing at LAX. Another incident involving a Southwest Airlines plane in 2025 resulted in an abrupt descent after takeoff due to a possible malfunction of the collision avoidance system, injuring two flight attendants. These incidents underscore the importance of aircraft maintenance and prompt identification and resolution of technical issues.

Historical Crashes and Accidents:

Over the years, Burbank Airport has witnessed several tragic accidents and crashes. In 1962, a Lockheed L-1049H Super Constellation freighter crashed during an instrument landing system (ILS) approach, resulting in the deaths of all five occupants and two people on the ground. Other incidents, such as a damaged Douglas C-53 in 1982 and a Boeing 737 crashing through a perimeter fence, serve as stark reminders of the constant need for vigilance in aviation safety.

Ensuring aviation safety at Burbank Airport, or any airport for that matter, demands a multifaceted approach. It involves strict adherence to safety protocols, continuous training for personnel, technological advancements in aircraft and infrastructure, and proactive safety reviews by regulatory bodies like the FAA. By addressing these safety concerns effectively, airports can minimize risks and enhance the overall safety of aircraft operations.

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Location and amenities

Hollywood Burbank Airport is located about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from downtown Los Angeles, at 2627 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, California 91505. The airport is technically open 24 hours a day but has a friendly agreement with the city to operate between 5:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. to reduce noise exposure. It has two intersecting asphalt runways. The longest runway, which runs north and south, is 6,886 feet (2,099 meters) long and 150 feet (46 meters) wide. The east-west runway is 5,802 feet (1,768 meters) long, and the airport's elevation is 778 feet (237 meters).

The airport offers a range of amenities, including rampside access and luxurious ground transportation services. Private jet clients can often enjoy limo services or drive their own car to the aircraft. Some aircraft operators also offer smaller wheelchairs for passengers who need assistance. Additionally, pets are allowed onboard by the majority of operators and aircraft owners, although a small cleaning fee may apply, and specific requirements, such as up-to-date documentation and vaccination records, must be met.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to its opening in 1930 as United Airport. It was the largest commercial airport in the Los Angeles area until 1946 when it was surpassed by the Los Angeles Airport. Over the years, it has undergone several name changes, including Union Air Terminal and Lockheed Air Terminal, before settling on Hollywood Burbank Airport in 1967.

The airport has witnessed a variety of aircraft, from the early days of aviation to modern jets. It has seen large planes such as the DC-8, 767, 757, 707, and L-1011, as well as cargo operators using widebody aircraft. The largest passenger airliner ever to serve Burbank was the United Airlines Boeing 767-200, which operated nonstop flights to Chicago O'Hare Airport in 1986.

The airport has also had its share of notable incidents. In 1962, a Flying Tiger Line Lockheed L-1049H Super Constellation freighter crashed in dense fog during an instrument landing approach, resulting in fatalities. More recently, a Southwest Airlines flight descending from Burbank Airport in 2025 dropped hundreds of feet to avoid a possible mid-air collision, causing a tense and scary experience for passengers and crew.

Frequently asked questions

The largest plane to ever operate at Burbank Airport was the United Airlines Boeing 767-200, which flew non-stop to Chicago O'Hare Airport in 1986.

Large jets such as the Falcon 2000 and Challenger 604 can operate at Burbank Airport.

Yes, Paramount Business Jets offers private jet charter flights to and from Burbank Airport.

Yes, most operators and aircraft owners allow pets onboard. However, specific requirements must be met, including up-to-date documentation and vaccination records.

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