Light Jet - Legacy Production
Learjet 31A: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Learjet (later Bombardier)
Learjet 31A: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Learjet 31A, produced from 1991 to 2003, is the modernized successor to the original Learjet 31 and one of the highest-performing light jets ever produced. Created by mating the Learjet 35A fuselage to the Learjet 55 "long-horn" winglet-equipped wing with signature anhedral "delta fins" on the tailcone, the 31A combines exceptional climb performance and high-altitude cruise capability in a single-class platform. Powered by twin Garrett TFE731-2 turbofan engines producing 3,500 lbf each, the 31A delivers 1,290 nautical miles of range (extended to 1,911 nm in the 31A/ER variant), 441 ktas (Mach 0.81) cruise, and a 51,000 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots. A total of 246 Learjet 31/31A aircraft were built. Pre-owned market today: $650,000 to $1.4 million.
For pilots and operators seeking the "sports car" of light jets, the Learjet 31A delivers performance characteristics few competitors can match.
Learjet 31A Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2003 (Learjet 45 supersedes) |
| Original Learjet 31 First Flight | May 1987 |
| Original Learjet 31 FAA Certification | August 1988 |
| Original Learjet 31 Production Years | 1988 to 1991 |
| Learjet 31A Production Years | 1991 to 2003 |
| Total Learjet 31/31A Built | 246 |
| Original Price (April 1991) | $4,275,000 (31A); $4,392,600 (31A/ER) |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 6 |
| Passengers (Max) | 8 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 31A) | 1,290 nm |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 31A/ER) | 1,911 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 441 ktas (Mach 0.81) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 380 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 51,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Garrett (Honeywell) TFE731-2 turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,500 lbf (7,000 lbf total) |
| Engine Control | Digital electronic engine controller (DEEC) |
| Avionics | Bendix/King digital integrated suite with EFIS |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 15,500 lbs (standard); 17,000 lbs (optional) |
| Max Takeoff Weight (31A/ER) | 17,000 lbs |
| Cabin Length | 12 ft 11 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.92 ft (59 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.33 ft (52 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 275.2 cubic ft |
| Total Baggage Volume | 40 cu ft (in-cabin only) |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,705 ft |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $650,000 to $1,400,000 |
| Average Pre-Owned Price | $1,230,000 |
History and the Long-Horn Wing Mating
Learjet Corporation developed the Model 31 in the mid-1980s by mating the proven Learjet 35A fuselage to the Learjet 55 "long-horn" wing with winglets. The result was a light jet that few competitors could rival for climb performance, high-altitude cruise speed, or overall fuel efficiency.
Platform timeline:
- Mid-1980s: Concept development at Learjet Corp
- May 1987: Learjet 31 development aircraft first flight
- August 1988: FAA certification of Learjet 31
- 1988-1991: Original Learjet 31 production (60 aircraft)
- October 1990: Learjet 31A announced with digital avionics
- 1991: Learjet 31A enters production
- 1991: Learjet 31A/ER (extended range) introduced
- 2003: Production ends as Learjet 45 supersedes the small fuselage Learjets
The 31A is grandfathered onto the original 1966 Learjet 24 type certificate, sharing many systems designs including parallel-bus DC electrical system, manually-operated bleed-air switches, analog pressurization, clamshell entry door with motorized closing system, and impressively powerful anti-skid brakes.
The Delta Fins and Long-Horn Wing
The Learjet 31A's distinctive anhedral "delta fins" on the tailcone (combined with wing aerodynamic mods) deliver docile low-speed handling characteristics on par with the much-slower Citation 500/550. The mods eliminated the need for a stall barrier stick pusher and the operational requirement for an operative yaw damper for dispatch.
Wing details:
- Long-horn winglet wing: Sourced from Learjet 55
- No tip tanks: Reduces fuel capacity by 2,076 lbs vs Learjet 35A
- Substantial high-altitude performance gain: Mach 0.81 capability
- Excellent climb performance: Pilots wear "510" lapel pins after cruising at FL510
Key Improvements: 31A vs Original 31
The Learjet 31A introduced:
- Bendix/King digital avionics with EFIS: Replaces analog instrumentation
- Rudder boost system: Shaves 9 knots off Vmcg
- Cruise Mach increase: From 0.78 to 0.81 (4% improvement) above 41,000 ft
- VMO increase: From 300 KIAS to 325 KIAS (descent benefits)
- Optional weight increase: To 17,700 lbs
- Integrated digital avionics package: Modernized cockpit
Cabin Interior
The 31A cabin shares dimensions with the Learjet 35A:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 12 ft 11 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.92 ft (59 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.33 ft (52 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | 275.2 cubic ft |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 6 to 8 Passengers: Three-seat divan, four Erda 10-way adjustable seats
- High-Density Options: Various configurations
- 40 cu ft Baggage (in-cabin only): No external baggage
Per Aviation Week's analysis: "Learjet 31/31A, with all seats filled, is about as comfortable and practical as a Porsche 911 with front and rear seats stuffed with adults. With few people aboard, though, it's also about as much fun to fly as the Zuffenhausen blitz-wagen is to drive on the autobahn."
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 441 ktas (Mach 0.81 above FL410) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 380 ktas |
| Range (31A NBAA IFR) | 1,290 nm |
| Range (31A/ER NBAA IFR) | 1,911 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (the "510 club" altitude) |
| VMO | 325 KIAS |
Climb Performance
The Learjet 31A's combination of high-thrust TFE731-2 engines and long-horn wing delivers exceptional climb performance, reaching FL510 (51,000 ft) where pilots earn membership in the "510 Club."
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 3,705 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,207 ft |
Engines
Two Garrett (now Honeywell) TFE731-2 turbofan engines, each producing 3,500 lbf of thrust (7,000 lbf total).
Engine features:
- Digital electronic engine controller (DEEC): Automatic retention of power settings above 15,000 ft
- Special idling control: For descent from 51,000 ft
- Engine synchronizer: Standard
- Optional Dee Howard 4000 thrust reverser: 240 lb weight
- 5,000 hour TBO: Strong operating economics
Avionics
Bendix/King digital integrated avionics suite with EFIS:
- Integrated EFIS displays: Standard
- Modern flight management systems: With WAAS/LPV (retrofits common)
- Weather radar: Standard
- TCAS/TAWS: Common retrofit
- ADS-B Out compliance: Common retrofit
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~175 gph) | $1,225 to $1,575 |
| Engine Reserve | $300 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $450 |
| Misc Variable | $250 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,225 to $2,575/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $1.9 million all-in.
Charter rates: $3,200 to $4,200 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2001 to 2003 Learjet 31A (final production) | $1,200,000 to $1,400,000 |
| 1996 to 2000 Learjet 31A | $900,000 to $1,200,000 |
| 1991 to 1995 Learjet 31A (early production) | $650,000 to $900,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Performance-Focused Pilots and Operators: The "sports car" of light jets
- High-Altitude Operations: 51,000 ft ceiling capability ("510 Club")
- Charter Operators With Shorter Missions: Excellent climb and cruise economics
- Step-Up From Lear 24/25: Same Learjet pilot pool, modern systems
Less suited if:
- You need transcontinental U.S. range (31A/ER better, still limited at 1,911 nm)
- You require single-pilot certification (consider CJ family)
- You need cabin comfort with 6+ passengers (cramped)
- You want roomy cabin
- You require external baggage
Pros and Cons
What the Learjet 31A Does Well
- 51,000 ft service ceiling (510 Club membership)
- Mach 0.81 cruise speed above FL410
- Exceptional climb performance
- Delta fins eliminate stall pusher requirement
- Bendix/King digital EFIS avionics
- Strong TFE731-2 engine reliability
- Distinctive Learjet ramp presence
Tradeoffs to Understand
- 1,290 nm range modest (1,911 nm ER better)
- All baggage in-cabin (40 cu ft, no external)
- Cabin cramped with 6+ passengers
- Production ended 2003 (Learjet brand discontinued by Bombardier in 2022)
- Two-pilot operation required
- 4'4" cabin height tight for tall passengers
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Learjet 31A different from the original Learjet 31?
The 31A (October 1990) introduced Bendix/King digital avionics with EFIS, rudder boost system (9-knot Vmcg improvement), increased cruise Mach above FL410 (M 0.78 to 0.81), VMO increase from 300 to 325 KIAS, and optional weight increase to 17,700 lbs.
What is the Learjet 31A/ER?
The 31A/ER (Extended Range) is a variant with higher MTOW (17,000 lbs vs standard 15,500 lbs), allowing more fuel and extending range to 1,911 nm from the standard 31A's 1,290 nm.
How many Learjet 31s were built?
A total of 246 Learjet 31 and 31A aircraft were built between 1988 and 2003.
Is the Learjet 31A single-pilot certified?
No. The Learjet 31A requires two pilots.
What is the "510 Club"?
Learjet 31/31A pilots who have cruised at 51,000 ft proudly wear "510" lapel pins, denoting their membership in this exclusive high-altitude club. The 51,000 ft ceiling was the highest in business aviation when introduced.
How fast is the Learjet 31A?
The Learjet 31A cruises at Mach 0.81 (441 ktas) above FL410. Maximum operating Mach is 0.83. The VMO is 325 KIAS.
What replaced the Learjet 31A?
The Learjet 45 (introduced 1998) superseded the small-fuselage Learjet 31A. The Learjet brand was discontinued by Bombardier in 2022.
The Bottom Line
The Learjet 31A is one of the highest-performing light jets ever produced, delivering exceptional climb performance, Mach 0.81 cruise capability, and 51,000 ft service ceiling in a tight but speedy package. At current pre-owned pricing of $650K to $1.4 million, the 31A offers genuine Learjet performance heritage at attainable cost. The tradeoffs are real: cramped cabin, limited range, and the operating reality that Learjet brand is now discontinued. But for performance-focused pilots and operators, few light jets match the 31A's combination of speed, climb, and altitude capability.
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 31A market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with attention to engine programs and avionics retrofits.
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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 31A 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 31A Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Learjet 31A 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 31A for the mission.
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If you are evaluating a Learjet 31A for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Learjet 35A: Predecessor (Same Engines, Different Wing)
- Learjet 45: Superseding Replacement
- Learjet 60: Larger Sibling Platform
Production of the Learjet 31A ended in 2003. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Bombardier discontinued the Learjet brand in 2022. Specifications accurate as of 2026.