You can’t buy a new Learjet since Learjets since Bombardier, who took over Learjet, announced the end of production for all new Learjet aircraft in 2021
But a used Learjet will cost you between $230,000 and $5 million.
You could also charter a Learjet for between $4,500 and $6,500 an hour.
Although popular, Learjets don’t provide the same comfort and luxury as Gulfstream planes.
Private jets can cost a lot of money, but Learjets are considered an entry option and cost significantly less than Gulfstream planes for that reason.
A new Learjet 23 cost around $600,000 in 1962, which is between $5.9 and $6 million after adjusting for inflation.
As the Learjet 23 stopped production in 1966, you are unable to buy a new model.
A used Learjet 23 costs between $230,000 and $550,000, depending on its condition.
Learjet 24
A new Learjet 24 cost $990,000 in 1970, which is around $7.5 million after adjusting for inflation.
A new Learjet 24 cannot be purchased since its production stopped in 1976.
A used Learjet 24 costs between $250,000 and $550,000, depending on its condition.
Learjet 25
A new Learjet 25 cost $2.4 million in 1976, which is $12.5 million after adjusting for inflation.
You can’t purchase a new Learjet 25 since it stopped being produced in 1984.
A used Learjet 25 sells for between $350,000 and $750,000, depending on its condition.
Learjet 28/29
The Learjet 28 and 29 are identical except for the 29 having a long-range fuel tank, resulting in the reduction of its capacity to six.
A Learjet 28 or 29 cost $2.5 million in 1977, which is $12.5 million after adjusting for inflation, and stopped being produced in 1982.
A new used Learjet 28/29’s costs between $250,000 and $750,000, depending on its condition.
Learjet 31
A Learjet 31 cost $4.5 million in 1988, which is $13.4 million after adjusting for inflation.
Production was stopped in 2003.
A used Learjet 31 costs between $500,000 and $850,000, depending on its condition.
Learjet 35/36
A Learjet 35 and the longer-range 36 cost $4.8 million in 1976, which is $21.8 million in today’s dollars.
Production was stopped in 1994.
You can purchase a used Learjet 35 or 36 for between $500,000 and $1,000,000, depending on its condition.
Learjet 40
A Learjet 40 cost $8 million in 2004, which is $14 million after adjusting for inflation.
A used Learjet 40 costs anywhere between $750,000 and $1.5 million, depending on its condition.
Production was stopped in 2013.
Learjet 45
A Learjet 45 cost $10 million in 1998, which amounts to almost $18 million today.
A used Learjet 45 can be purchased for between $750,000 and $1.5 million, depending on its condition.
Production was stopped in 2012.
Learjet 55
A Learjet 55 cost $4.7 million in 1982, which equals $13.5 million today.
A used LearJet 55 costs between $950,000 to $2.5 million, depending on its condition.
Production was ceased all the way back in 1987.
Learjet 60
A Learjet 60 cost $13 million in 1993, which is $26.5 million after adjusting for inflation.
A used model sells for between $950,000 and $2.5 million.
Production was stopped in 2012.
Learjet 70/75
A Learjet 70 cost $11 million in 2013, which is equal to $14 million after adjusting for inflation.
A used Learjet 70 costs between $1.9 million and $4.5 million, depending on the plane’s condition.
Production was stopped in 2017.
Learjet 85
Plans to produce a Learjet 85 were suspended in 2015, and 1,000 associated jobs were lost.
The Learjet 85 had an expected price tag of $17 million in 2008, which is $23 million in 2022 dollars.
Chartering and Operating a Learjet is Expensive
Depending on the model, it costs between $4,500 and $6,500 on average to charter a Learjet.
And on average, it costs between $2,800 and $4,100 per hour to operate a Learjet.
The exact operating cost depends on the plane’s model.
Older Learjets usually have simpler parts, but they’re more difficult to purchase in better condition, so may require maintenance before they are airworthy.
The Fastest Learjet is the 60XR
The Learjet 60XR is the fastest Learjet model, while the Learjet 60 series has the longest range, of up to 2,400 nautical miles or 4,463 km.
The Learjet 60XR flew from Wichita to Geneva at a speed of 771km/h or 478.82 mph in 10 hours and 21 minutes in 1995.
The same year, this plane also flew from Gander to Geneva at a speed of 775 km/h or 481.36 mph in 43 minutes.
Gulfstream Jets Are More Expensive and More Luxurious Than Learjets
Gulfstream jets are more expensive than Learjets, with the latest Gulfstream jet costing as much as $22 million.
Gulfstream jets are also more luxurious, with better comfort features and flying controls. In contrast, Learjets are considered an entry option to the world of private air travel.
Learjet’s parent company, Bombardier, competes with Gulfstream with their larger Challenger and Global models.
In conclusion:
Learjets were an iconic business and civil plane, but they’re no longer in production, so, you can’t buy a new Learjet plane anymore.
But, you can still purchase a used Learjet for between $230,000 and $5 million, depending on the plane’s condition.
You can charter a Learjet for between $4,500 and $6,500 an hour.
On average, it also costs between $2,800 and $4,100 per hour to operate a Learjet, depending on the model.
Helen Krasner holds a PPL(A), with 15 years experience flying fixed-wing aircraft; a PPL(H), with 13 years experience flying helicopters; and a CPL(H), Helicopter Instructor Rating, with 12 years working as a helicopter instructor.
Helen is an accomplished aviation writer with 12 years of experience, having authored several books and published numerous articles while also serving as the Editor of the BWPA (British Women Pilots Association) newsletter, with her excellent work having been recognized with her nomination of the “Aviation Journalist of the Year” award.
Helen has won the “Dawn to Dusk” International Flying Competition, along with the best all-female competitors, three times with her copilot.
