Light Jet - Legacy Production
Learjet 24E: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Learjet (later Bombardier)
Learjet 24E: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Learjet 24E, produced from 1976 to 1979, is one of the rarer variants of the foundational Learjet 24 family and represents a notable aerodynamic refinement of the original 1960s Learjet design. Powered by twin General Electric CJ610-8A turbojets producing 2,950 lbf each, the 24E introduced the Century III cambered wing with aerodynamic improvements that reduced stall and approach speeds. On April 15, 1977, the FAA approved the Learjet 24E's extended ceiling to 51,000 feet, the highest level then achieved in civilian aviation. Only 29 Learjet 24E aircraft were built during the brief production run. As a Learjet 24 family member, the 24E carries the historic distinction of being the first business jet certified under FAR-25 transport category standards. Pre-owned market today: $250,000 to $500,000 (rare).
For aviation collectors and operators seeking one of the rarer Learjet 24 variants with significant historical significance, the 24E is a unique acquisition.
Learjet 24E Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 1979 |
| Announced | 1976 |
| Production Years | 1976 to 1979 |
| Total Units Built | 29 |
| Total Learjet 24 Family Built | 259 (1966-1980) |
| Historic Significance | First business jet certified under FAR-25 |
| FAA Approval of 51,000 ft Ceiling | April 15, 1977 (highest in civilian aviation at the time) |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 4 to 6 |
| Passengers (Max) | 6 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | ~1,100 nm (shorter than 24D due to no fuselage tank) |
| Max Cruise Speed | 460 to 480 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 420 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 51,000 ft (FAA approved April 15, 1977) |
| Engines | 2× General Electric CJ610-8A turbojets |
| Thrust per Engine | 2,950 lbf (5,900 lbf total) |
| Wing | Century III cambered wing |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 13,500 lbs (or 12,500 lbs in restricted variant) |
| Cabin Length | 11 ft 8 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.92 ft (59 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.33 ft (52 in) |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $250,000 to $500,000 (specialty market) |
History as a Rare 1970s Learjet
The Learjet 24 family began with the first Learjet 24 flight on January 24, 1966, making the platform the founder of modern light jet aviation. The 24 became the first business jet certified under FAR-25 transport category standards, a significant achievement that set the regulatory framework for decades of subsequent business jets.
Platform timeline:
- 1963: Learjet 23 (original) first flight October
- January 24, 1966: Learjet 24 first flight
- May 1966: Around-the-world demonstration flight (50 hours 20 minutes flying time)
- 1966-1980: Learjet 24 family production (259 total aircraft)
- 1976: Learjet 24E and 24F announced with Century III wing
- April 15, 1977: FAA approves 51,000 ft ceiling
- 1979: Learjet 24E production ends (29 aircraft built)
- 1980: Learjet 24F production ends
The Learjet 24 family includes variants A, B, C, D, E, and F, differing in takeoff weight, in-fuselage fuel tank presence, range, cabin layout, and engines.
The Century III Wing
The Learjet 24E and 24F introduced the Century III cambered wing, a significant aerodynamic improvement over the original Learjet 24 wing. Benefits:
- Reduced stall speed: Lower approach speed capability
- Reduced approach speed: Better short-field performance
- Improved cruise performance: Higher altitude capability
- 51,000 ft ceiling enabled: Industry-leading for the era
Learjet 24E vs Other 24 Family Variants
| Variant | Years | Wing | Engines | Fuselage Tank | Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learjet 24 | 1966 | Original | CJ610-4 | Yes | 56 |
| Learjet 24B | 1968-1970 | Original | CJ610-6 | Yes | 49 |
| Learjet 24C | 1970-1976 | Original | CJ610-6 | Yes | 19 |
| Learjet 24D | 1970-1979 | Original | CJ610-6 | Yes | 99 |
| Learjet 24D/A | 1976-1979 | Original | CJ610-6 | Yes | Restricted to 12,500 lbs MTOW |
| Learjet 24E | 1976-1979 | Century III | CJ610-8A | No (some retrofit later) | 29 |
| Learjet 24F | 1976-1980 | Century III | CJ610-8A | Yes | 7 (last produced) |
The 24E was the higher-payload variant (no fuselage fuel tank); the 24F was the longer-range variant (with fuselage tank).
Cabin Interior
The Learjet 24 cabin is among the smallest in business jet history, optimized for two pilots and four passengers:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 11 ft 8 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.92 ft (59 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.33 ft (52 inches) |
Seating Configurations
- 4-Passenger Executive Standard: Forward club with rear forward-facing
- 6-Passenger Maximum: Tight executive configuration
- Limited baggage: Approximately 5 to 6 bags of less than 5 cu ft
The Learjet 24 family is the original example of the "sports car of the sky" Learjet design philosophy: speed and performance over cabin comfort.
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 460 to 480 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 420 ktas |
| Range (Standard 24E without fuselage tank) | ~1,100 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (industry-leading 1977) |
Engines
Two General Electric CJ610-8A turbojet engines, each producing 2,950 lbf of thrust (5,900 lbf total).
Important note: These are turbojet engines (not turbofan), which contributes to higher fuel burn and notorious noise levels. The Stage 3 noise compliance requirement (effective December 31, 2015) significantly restricted post-2015 operations for non-compliant aircraft.
Avionics
Original Learjet 24E aircraft were delivered with analog instrumentation typical of 1970s business jets. Common retrofits over the decades have included:
- Modern Garmin GPS navigation
- ADS-B Out compliance (where possible)
- Updated weather radar
- WAAS/LPV navigation
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (turbojet, high burn ~230 gph) | $1,610 to $2,070 |
| Engine Reserve | $300 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $500 |
| Misc Variable | $300 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,710 to $3,170/hr |
Note: Turbojet engines burn substantially more fuel than modern turbofan-powered competitors. Operating costs are among the highest in the light jet class.
Pricing
| Variant | Pre-Owned Price Range |
|---|---|
| Learjet 24E (1976-1979, rare) | $250,000 to $500,000 |
The Learjet 24E is rare in the resale market due to its limited 29-aircraft production run.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Aviation Collectors: Rare Century III-wing Learjet 24 variant
- Operators Wanting High-Altitude Capability: 51,000 ft ceiling
- Specialty Operations: Where speed matters more than cabin comfort
- Buyers Comfortable With Stage 3 Noise Restrictions: Required since 2015
Less suited if:
- You need to operate at noise-restricted airports (Stage 3 compliance critical)
- You require modern fuel economics
- You need long-range missions
- You want roomy cabin (24 family is among smallest)
- You require single-pilot certification
Pros and Cons
What the Learjet 24E Does Well
- 51,000 ft service ceiling (highest in civilian aviation in 1977)
- Century III cambered wing aerodynamic improvements
- Distinctive Learjet 24 family heritage
- Fast cruise (460-480 ktas)
- Historic significance as first FAR-25 certified business jet family member
- Only 29 built (rarity)
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Turbojet engines (vs modern turbofans): higher fuel burn, more noise
- Stage 3 noise restrictions limit airport access since December 2015
- Very small cabin (among smallest ever produced in light jet class)
- Limited range (~1,100 nm without fuselage tank)
- Parts supply challenges (50+ year old airframe)
- Two-pilot operation required
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Learjet 24E different from other Learjet 24 variants?
The 24E (and 24F) introduced the Century III cambered wing with aerodynamic improvements that reduced stall and approach speeds. The 24E specifically did not have a fuselage fuel tank (for higher payload but shorter range), while the 24F retained the fuselage tank. The 24E and 24F both used the upgraded CJ610-8A engines.
How many Learjet 24E aircraft were built?
Only 29 Learjet 24E aircraft were built during the 1976 to 1979 production run, making it one of the rarer Learjet 24 family variants.
When did the FAA approve the Learjet 24E's 51,000 ft ceiling?
April 15, 1977. This was the highest service ceiling approved for any civilian aircraft at the time.
Is the Learjet 24E Stage 3 noise compliant?
The Learjet 24E uses CJ610-8A turbojet engines that are NOT Stage 3 noise compliant. In 2013, the FAA modified 14 CFR Part 91 rules to prohibit the operation of jets weighing 75,000 pounds or less that are not Stage 3 compliant after December 31, 2015. Operations in the U.S. are therefore restricted unless the aircraft has been modified for Stage 3 compliance (hush kit retrofits exist for some applications).
Is the Learjet 24E single-pilot certified?
No. The Learjet 24E requires two pilots.
What was special about the Learjet 24 family?
The Learjet 24 became the first business jet certified under FAR-25 transport category standards, establishing the regulatory framework for subsequent business jets. The 1966 around-the-world demonstration flight (50 hours 20 minutes flying time) showcased the platform's capabilities.
The Bottom Line
The Learjet 24E is a rare and historically significant 1970s business jet, representing one of the final variants of the founding Learjet 24 family with the advanced Century III cambered wing. With only 29 built, the 24E is a specialty acquisition for collectors and operators interested in vintage Learjet ownership. The major constraints are real: Stage 3 noise restrictions, high operating costs of turbojet engines, very small cabin, and parts supply challenges. For practical operating purposes, modern light jets deliver vastly better value, but for aviation enthusiasts and collectors, the 24E remains a piece of business aviation history.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Learjet 24E market intelligence, pre-buy diligence with attention to engine programs, hush kit status, and Stage 3 compliance.
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Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Learjet 24E to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
Learjet 24E Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Learjet 24E operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Learjet 24E for the mission.
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Production of the Learjet 24E ended in 1979. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Stage 3 noise compliance must be verified for U.S. operations. Specifications accurate as of 2026.