Light Jet - Legacy Production
Learjet 36 / 36A: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Learjet (later Bombardier)
Learjet 36 / 36A: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Learjet 36 and improved Learjet 36A, produced from 1974 to 1994, are the long-range variants of the Learjet 35/35A platform, sacrificing passenger capacity for substantially more fuel and longer range. The 36/36A delivers up to 3,000+ nautical miles of range (one of the longest in the light jet class), 460+ ktas cruise, and a 45,000 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots. The 36 series shares the same TFE731-2-2B turbofan engines (3,500 lbf each) and same maximum takeoff weight as the 35A but trades two passenger seats for additional fuel capacity. Only 64 Learjet 36/36A aircraft were built across the 20-year production run, making it one of the rarer Learjet variants. Pre-owned market today: $600,000 to $1.5 million.
For specialty operators wanting maximum range in vintage Learjet form, the 36/36A delivers transcontinental U.S. capability with substantial reserves and trans-Atlantic capability (with stops).
Learjet 36 / 36A Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production (long-range variant) |
| Production Status | Discontinued 1994 |
| Production Years | 1974 to 1994 (20-year run) |
| Total Units Built | 64 |
| Learjet 36 Original Certification | July 1974 |
| Learjet 36A Higher MTOW Introduction | 1976 |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 4 to 6 |
| Passengers (Max) | 6 (vs 35A's 8 - the key tradeoff) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 3,000+ nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 460 to 488 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 418 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Garrett (Honeywell) TFE731-2-2B turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,500 lbf (7,000 lbf total) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 18,300 lbs (same as 35A) |
| Fuel Capacity | Substantially more than 35A (extra fuselage tank) |
| Cabin Length | 12 ft 11 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.92 ft (59 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.33 ft (52 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 268 cubic ft |
| Wingspan (over tip tanks) | 39 ft 6 in |
| Overall Length | 48 ft 8 in |
| Height | 12 ft 3 in |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $600,000 to $1,500,000 |
History and Position in the Learjet 35 Family
The Learjet 36 was developed concurrently with the Learjet 35 as a specialty long-range variant. Both share fundamental specifications including engines, basic airframe dimensions, and maximum takeoff weight, but the 36 trades passenger capacity for additional fuel.
Platform timeline:
- August 22, 1973: Learjet 35 first flight
- July 1974: Learjet 35 and Learjet 36 certified
- 1976: Learjet 35A and 36A introduced with higher MTOW
- 1976-1994: 36A production continues
- 1994: Production ends after 64 total 36/36A aircraft
The 64-aircraft production is small compared to the 35A's 610 aircraft, reflecting the more specialized mission profile of the long-range variant.
What Makes the 36 Different from the 35A
The Learjet 36/36A differs from the 35/35A in one critical aspect:
- Same MTOW: Both limited to 18,300 lbs maximum takeoff weight
- Same engines: TFE731-2-2B (3,500 lbf each)
- Same airframe: Basic dimensions identical
- Tradeoff: 36 sacrifices two passenger seats (8 → 6) for more fuel capacity
The 36 includes a larger forward fuselage fuel tank, increasing total fuel capacity at the expense of cabin volume otherwise used for passenger seating. With the same MTOW, the increased fuel directly translates to extended range.
Cabin Interior
The Learjet 36 cabin is identical in physical dimensions to the 35A but with reduced passenger seating to accommodate the additional fuel tank:
| 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 | 268 cubic ft (but with fuel tank reducing usable space) |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 4 to 6 Passengers: Optimized for long-range missions with fewer passengers
- Maximum 6 Passengers: With careful weight management
The reduced passenger configuration is the primary functional difference vs the 35A. For shorter-range missions with more passengers, the 35A is the better choice. For long-range missions with fewer passengers, the 36 wins.
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 460 to 488 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 418 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 3,000+ nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
Typical Mission Examples (Long-Range)
- New York to Los Angeles (2,140 nm) - comfortable
- Chicago to London (3,950 nm) - one-stop with strategic fueling
- Houston to Quito (2,600 nm) - achievable
- London to Cape Town (5,200 nm) - not achievable (requires multiple stops)
- Tokyo to Seattle (4,300 nm) - not achievable
The 36's 3,000+ nm range substantially exceeds most light jets and even some midsize jets.
Engines
Two Garrett (now Honeywell) TFE731-2-2B turbofan engines, each producing 3,500 lbf of thrust (7,000 lbf total).
Engine specifications match the Learjet 35A exactly. The 36's longer range comes entirely from increased fuel capacity, not engine performance.
Avionics
Original Learjet 36/36A aircraft were delivered with analog instrumentation. Most surviving aircraft have been retrofit with:
- Modern Garmin GPS navigation
- ADS-B Out compliance
- WAAS/LPV navigation
- Updated weather radar
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~175 gph) | $1,225 to $1,575 |
| Engine Reserve | $310 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $420 |
| Misc Variable | $270 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,225 to $2,575/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $1.7 to $1.9 million.
Charter rates: $3,400 to $4,200 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1990 to 1994 Learjet 36A (final production) | $1,200,000 to $1,500,000 |
| 1980 to 1989 Learjet 36A | $800,000 to $1,200,000 |
| 1974 to 1979 Learjet 36/36A (early production) | $600,000 to $900,000 |
The 36/36A typically commands a premium over the 35A due to its longer range capability and rarity (only 64 built vs 610 Learjet 35/35As).
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Long-Range Specialty Operations: 3,000+ nm capability
- Transcontinental U.S. With Reserves: Coast-to-coast easily
- Trans-Atlantic Capability (With Stops): Light jet trans-Atlantic missions
- Charter Operators With Long-Range Demand: Differentiated platform
Less suited if:
- You need maximum passenger capacity (consider 35A)
- You require modern integrated touchscreen avionics
- You want single-pilot certification (consider CJ family)
- You need spacious cabin (Learjet cabin remains cramped)
Learjet 36 vs 35A Comparison
| Feature | Learjet 35A | Learjet 36 |
|---|---|---|
| Engines | TFE731-2-2B (3,500 lbf) | Same |
| MTOW | 18,300 lbs | Same |
| Passengers | 8 maximum | 6 maximum |
| Fuel Capacity | Standard | Significantly more |
| Range | 2,424 nm | 3,000+ nm |
| Cabin Dimensions | 12'11" L × 4'11" W × 4'4" H | Same |
| Built | 610 | 64 |
| Pre-Owned Price | $0.5M-$1.5M | $0.6M-$1.5M |
Pros and Cons
What the Learjet 36 Does Well
- 3,000+ nm range (exceptional for light jet class)
- Same TFE731-2-2B Stage 3 compliant engines as 35A
- 45,000 ft service ceiling
- 460+ ktas cruise
- Rarity (only 64 built) supports residual value
- Specialty long-range mission capability
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Reduced passenger capacity vs 35A (6 vs 8 maximum)
- Smaller in-service fleet (64 vs 610 35As)
- Production ended 1994 (30+ year old airframes)
- Two-pilot operation required
- Avionics typically retrofitted
- Cabin remains cramped by modern standards
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Learjet 36 different from the Learjet 35A?
The 36 trades passenger capacity (6 vs 35A's 8) for additional fuel capacity, extending range from the 35A's 2,424 nm to over 3,000 nm. Both share the same TFE731-2-2B engines, basic airframe, and maximum takeoff weight.
How many Learjet 36 aircraft were built?
A total of 64 Learjet 36 and 36A aircraft were built during the 1974 to 1994 production run.
How far can a Learjet 36 fly?
The Learjet 36/36A has a maximum NBAA IFR range exceeding 3,000 nautical miles, one of the longest in the light jet class and rivalling some midsize jets.
Is the Learjet 36 single-pilot certified?
No. The Learjet 36 requires two pilots.
What is the difference between Learjet 36 and 36A?
The 36A (1976) introduced higher maximum takeoff weight over the original 1974 Learjet 36, enabling more payload-range flexibility.
Why was Learjet 36 production limited to 64 aircraft?
The 36's specialty long-range mission profile attracted fewer buyers than the more general-purpose 35A. Most operators preferred the 35A's larger passenger capacity for typical mission profiles, while only specialty long-range operators valued the 36's range advantage enough to accept the reduced cabin.
The Bottom Line
The Learjet 36/36A is a specialty long-range variant of the proven Learjet 35 platform, offering exceptional range capability that competes with much-larger midsize jets. With only 64 built across a 20-year production run, the 36 is rare in the used market and commands a premium over comparable 35As. For operators needing maximum range in light jet form, the 36 remains uniquely positioned.
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 36/36A market intelligence and pre-buy diligence.
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Book a Learjet 36 / 36A on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the Learjet 36 / 36A and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live Learjet 36 / 36A availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
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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 36 / 36A 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 36 / 36A Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Learjet 36 / 36A 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 36 / 36A for the mission.
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Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the Learjet 36 / 36A flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the Learjet 36 / 36A retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Learjet 36 / 36A-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Learjet 36 / 36A fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Learjet 36 / 36A 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: Standard Variant (More Passengers, Less Range)
- Learjet 31A: Smaller Sibling Platform
- Learjet 60: Larger Midsize Platform
Production of the Learjet 36/36A ended in 1994. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Bombardier discontinued the Learjet brand in 2022. Specifications accurate as of 2026.