Light Jet - Legacy Production
Learjet 40 / 40XR: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Bombardier Aerospace
Learjet 40 / 40XR: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Bombardier Learjet 40 and improved Learjet 40XR represent the modernized light jet successor to the Learjet 31A, derived directly from the Learjet 45 with a 24.5-inch (60 cm) shorter fuselage. Powered by twin Honeywell TFE731-20AR engines (or upgraded TFE731-20BR on the 40XR) producing 3,500 lbf each, the 40 delivers 1,534 nautical miles of range (1,734 nm on the 40XR), Mach 0.81 cruise, and a 51,000 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots. The Learjet 40 entered service in January 2004, with the upgraded 40XR introduced in October 2004. Production ended in 2007 for the standard 40 and 2012 for the 40XR (93 40XRs total). Pre-owned market today: $1.5 to $2.8 million.
For operators wanting modernized Learjet performance at light-jet pricing without the full Learjet 45 cabin, the 40/40XR is the natural choice.
Learjet 40 / 40XR Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued (40 ended 2007; 40XR ended 2012) |
| Original Announced | July 2002 at Farnborough Air Show |
| Prototype First Flight | August 31, 2002 (rebuilt Lear 45) |
| First Production Aircraft Flight | September 5, 2002 |
| 40 Service Entry | January 2004 |
| 40XR Announced | October 2004 |
| Total 40XR Built | 93 |
| Replaced | Learjet 31A in product line |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 6 |
| Passengers (Max) | 7 (with belted lavatory) |
| Max Range (40, NBAA IFR) | 1,534 nm |
| Max Range (40XR, NBAA IFR) | 1,734 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 436 ktas (502 mph, Mach 0.81) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 400 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 51,000 ft |
| Engines (40) | 2× Honeywell TFE731-20AR turbofans |
| Engines (40XR) | 2× Honeywell TFE731-20BR turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,500 lbf (7,000 lbf total) |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 1000 with Universal UNS-1E FMS |
| Cabin Length | 17 ft 8 in |
| Cabin Width | 5.08 ft (61 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.92 ft (59 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 363 to 368 cubic ft |
| Total Baggage Volume | 65 cu ft (15 internal + 50 external) |
| Balanced Field Length (40) | 4,221 ft |
| Balanced Field Length (40XR) | 4,563 ft |
| Original Price (40) | $8,000,000 |
| Original Price (40XR) | $10,000,000+ |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $1,500,000 to $2,800,000 |
| Pre-Owned Average (40) | $2,260,000 |
| Pre-Owned Average (40XR) | $2,740,000 |
History as the Modern Learjet Light Jet
Bombardier announced the Learjet 40 in July 2002 at the Farnborough Air Show, designed to replace the original Learjet 31A in the product line and bring modern Learjet 45-derived technology to the light jet segment.
Platform timeline:
- July 2002: Learjet 40 announced at Farnborough
- August 31, 2002: Prototype first flight (rebuilt Lear 45)
- September 5, 2002: First production aircraft maiden flight
- January 2004: Learjet 40 service entry
- October 2004: Learjet 40XR announced
- 2007: Standard Learjet 40 production ends
- 2012: Learjet 40XR production ends (93 total built)
- 2013: Replaced by Learjet 70 (further upgraded)
The 40 introduced "best-in-class cabin volume and performance for a marginal price increase of $170,000 over that of the 31A" according to Bombardier, making it a meaningful step up at attainable pricing.
Key Improvements Over Learjet 31A
The 40 brought multiple advances over the original Lear 31A:
- Larger cabin: 363 cu ft vs 31A's 275 cu ft (32% increase)
- External baggage compartment: 50 cu ft (vs 31A's all-internal 40 cu ft)
- More powerful engines: TFE731-20AR (3,500 lbf with electronic controllers)
- Higher MTOW: ~20,750 lbs vs 31A's 15,500-17,000 lbs
- Modern Primus 1000 avionics: Replacing Bendix/King
- Trailing-link landing gear: Smoother landings
Learjet 40 vs 40XR Comparison
| Feature | Learjet 40 (2004-2007) | Learjet 40XR (2004-2012) |
|---|---|---|
| Engines | Honeywell TFE731-20AR | Honeywell TFE731-20BR (upgraded) |
| Range | 1,534 nm | 1,734 nm |
| MTOW | Standard | Higher |
| Cruise Speed | Same 436 ktas | Slightly faster |
| Climb Performance | Standard | Faster time-to-climb |
| Hot-and-High Performance | Standard | Improved |
| Pre-Owned Avg | $2.26M | $2.74M |
The 40XR is the better choice for hot-and-high operations or longer missions.
Cabin Interior
The 40 cabin is 24.5 inches (60 cm) shorter than the Lear 45's, but still substantially larger than the Lear 31A's:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 17 ft 8 in |
| Cabin Width | 5.08 ft (61 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.92 ft (59 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | 363 to 368 cubic ft |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 6-Passenger: Club seating with refreshment center
- 7-Passenger Maximum: With belted lavatory
- Multiple Configurations: Various executive layouts available
Cabin Features
- External baggage compartment: 50 cu ft, accessible from outside
- Internal baggage area: 15 cu ft, in-cabin
- Modern interior styling: 2000s-era finishes
- Larger windows than 31A: Improved natural light
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 436 ktas (Mach 0.81) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 400 ktas |
| Range (40, NBAA IFR) | 1,534 nm |
| Range (40XR, NBAA IFR) | 1,734 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length (40) | 4,221 ft |
| Balanced Field Length (40XR) | 4,563 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,080 to 3,100 ft |
Engines
The Learjet 40 uses two Honeywell TFE731-20AR turbofan engines, while the 40XR upgrades to TFE731-20BR variants. Both produce 3,500 lbf of thrust per engine.
The 40XR's TFE731-20BR engines deliver improvements in hot-and-high performance, faster time-to-climb, and faster ETEs (estimated times en route).
Avionics
Honeywell Primus 1000 integrated avionics suite with Universal UNS-1E flight management system featuring embedded GPS receiver. Standard avionics package:
- Honeywell Primus 1000 EFIS displays: Modern glass cockpit
- Universal UNS-1E FMS: GPS-integrated
- Weather radar: Standard
- TCAS/TAWS: Standard
- Common retrofits: WAAS/LPV upgrades, ADS-B Out
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~175 gph) | $1,225 to $1,575 |
| Engine Reserve | $400 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $450 |
| Misc Variable | $250 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,325 to $2,675/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.3 million all-in.
Charter rates: $3,500 to $4,500 per hour.
Pricing
| Variant | Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Learjet 40XR | 2010-2012 | $2,700,000 to $2,800,000 |
| Learjet 40XR | 2007-2009 | $2,300,000 to $2,700,000 |
| Learjet 40XR | 2004-2006 | $2,000,000 to $2,400,000 |
| Learjet 40 | 2005-2007 | $2,000,000 to $2,300,000 |
| Learjet 40 | 2004 | $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Learjet 31A: Substantial cabin and performance improvements
- Light Corporate Flight Departments: Reliable workhorse
- Charter Operators: 6-passenger Learjet at attainable cost
- Hot-and-High Operators: 40XR particularly strong
Less suited if:
- You need transcontinental U.S. range with seats full (consider 40XR or larger)
- You require single-pilot certification (consider CJ family)
- You want Garmin G5000 modern touchscreen avionics (consider Lear 70/75)
- You need the largest cabin in segment (Phenom 300, HondaJet larger)
Pros and Cons
What the Learjet 40/40XR Does Well
- 24.5" shorter Lear 45 (proven Bombardier platform)
- Mach 0.81 cruise speed
- 51,000 ft service ceiling
- 363-368 cu ft cabin (large for light jet class)
- 50 cu ft external baggage
- Modern Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics
- Strong dispatch reliability
- All 93 40XRs still in service (as of 2019)
Tradeoffs to Understand
- 24.5" shorter than Lear 45 (compromise vs full-size sibling)
- Two-pilot operation required
- 4,221-4,563 ft balanced field length (limits short-field use)
- Avionics dated vs current Garmin G5000
- Production ended 2012 (parts supply through Textron Aviation)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Learjet 40 different from the Learjet 45?
The Lear 40 is derived from the Lear 45 with a 24.5-inch (60 cm) shorter fuselage, fuel tank holding 100 gallons less, and seating reduced to 6 passengers (vs 45's 8). All other systems and airframe characteristics are essentially identical.
How is the Learjet 40 different from the 40XR?
The 40XR (October 2004) upgraded the engines from TFE731-20AR to TFE731-20BR, delivering improvements in hot-and-high performance, faster time-to-climb, and faster cruise speeds. The 40XR also has higher MTOW for more payload-range flexibility.
How many Learjet 40XR aircraft were built?
A total of 93 Learjet 40XR aircraft were built during the 2004 to 2012 production run. All remain in service as of recent counts.
How far can a Learjet 40 fly?
The Learjet 40 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 1,534 nautical miles. The Learjet 40XR extends this to 1,734 nm.
Is the Learjet 40 single-pilot certified?
No. The Learjet 40/40XR requires two pilots.
What engines power the Learjet 40?
The Learjet 40 uses two Honeywell TFE731-20AR turbofan engines (3,500 lbf each), while the 40XR upgrades to TFE731-20BR variants.
What replaced the Learjet 40 in production?
The Learjet 70 (2013) replaced the Learjet 40XR with updated Garmin G5000-based Vision avionics suite, redesigned canted winglets, and advanced hydraulics.
The Bottom Line
The Learjet 40 and 40XR represent the modernized 2000s-era light jet variant of the proven Learjet 45 platform, delivering Mach 0.81 cruise, 51,000 ft service ceiling, and 363-368 cu ft cabin at attainable pre-owned pricing of $1.5 to $2.8 million. For operators wanting Bombardier Learjet heritage with modern Primus 1000 avionics and external baggage compartment, the 40/40XR remains a compelling choice. The 40XR is the better option for hot-and-high operations or longer missions.
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 40/40XR market intelligence and pre-buy diligence.
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Book a Learjet 40 / 40XR 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 40 / 40XR 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 40 / 40XR 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 40 / 40XR 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 40 / 40XR Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Learjet 40 / 40XR 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 40 / 40XR for the mission.
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Fractional jet programs are available for Learjet 40 / 40XR-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 40 / 40XR 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 40 / 40XR 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 45 / 45XR: Full-Length Sibling
- Learjet 31A: Predecessor Platform
- Learjet 70: Direct Successor With G5000 Avionics
Production of the Learjet 40 ended in 2007 and the 40XR ended in 2012. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Bombardier discontinued the Learjet brand in 2022. Specifications accurate as of 2026.