Light Jet - Legacy Production
Learjet 45: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Bombardier Aerospace
Learjet 45: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Bombardier Learjet 45, introduced in 1998 and produced through 2006, is the first all-new clean-sheet Learjet design since the original 1963 Learjet 23, representing a fundamental modernization of the platform. Powered by twin Honeywell TFE731-20AR turbofan engines producing 3,500 lbf each, the Learjet 45 delivers 1,971 nautical miles of maximum range, 464 ktas (534 mph) maximum cruise, and a 51,000 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots. The Learjet 45 introduced the double-club cabin configuration to the Learjet line, with optional Honeywell RE-100 APU from the factory. As of recent counts, 247 Learjet 45s are active in the worldwide fleet (with 15 retired). The Learjet 45XR succeeded it in 2004 with upgraded engines. Pre-owned market today: $2.5 to $3.5 million.
For operators wanting the first modern-era Learjet at attainable pricing, the standard 45 remains a compelling choice.
Learjet 45 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2006 (succeeded by 45XR) |
| First Learjet All-New Design Since Original | Yes (first since 1963 Lear 23) |
| FAA Certification | 1997 |
| Production Start | 1998 |
| Production End | 2006 |
| Total Active Fleet (current) | 247 |
| Retired From Fleet | 15 |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 8 (double-club) |
| Passengers (Max) | 9 (certified with belted lavatory seat) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,971 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 464 ktas (534 mph, Mach 0.81) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 400 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 51,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Honeywell TFE731-20AR turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,500 lbf (7,000 lbf total) |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 1000 |
| APU | Honeywell RE-100 (optional from factory) |
| Cabin Length | 19 ft 9 in |
| Cabin Width | 5.08 ft (61 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.92 ft (59 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 410 cubic ft |
| Total Baggage Volume | 65 cu ft (15 internal + 50 external) |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $2,500,000 to $3,500,000 |
History as Bombardier's First Clean-Sheet Learjet
The Learjet 45 was Bombardier's first clean-sheet aircraft design since acquiring Learjet in 1990, marking a fundamental modernization of the platform. Previous Learjet variants (24, 25, 31, 35, 36, 55, 60) had evolved from the original 1963 Learjet 23 platform; the 45 represented a complete redesign.
Platform timeline:
- 1990: Bombardier acquires Learjet
- Early-mid 1990s: Clean-sheet Learjet 45 design and development
- 1997: FAA type certification
- 1998: First customer deliveries
- 2002: Learjet 40 derived from 45 (shorter fuselage)
- 2003-2004: Learjet 45XR introduced
- 2006: Standard Learjet 45 production ends
- 2012: Learjet 45XR production ends
- 2013: Replaced by Learjet 75 (further modernized)
The Learjet 45 was Bombardier's principal Learjet Division product throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with the related 45XR, 40, and 40XR variants continuing through 2012.
What Made the Learjet 45 New
The Learjet 45 represented multiple departures from previous Learjet generations:
Clean-Sheet Airframe Design
- All-new fuselage: Larger cabin cross-section than 31A
- All-new wing: Modern airfoil design
- Modern composite/aluminum hybrid construction: Updated manufacturing
- Double-club cabin configuration: First in Learjet line
- External baggage compartment: 50 cu ft (Learjet 31A had only internal)
Modern Systems
- Honeywell TFE731-20AR engines: New-generation TFE731 variant
- Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics: Integrated EFIS glass cockpit
- Optional Honeywell RE-100 APU: Ground operations independence
- Modern flight controls: Updated systems throughout
Larger Cabin
The 45's cabin (19'9" L × 5'1" W × 4'11" H, 410 cu ft) was substantially larger than the predecessor Learjet 31A (12'11" L × 4'11" W × 4'4" H, 275 cu ft), enabling the double-club configuration and standing height for the first time outside the Lear 55/60 family.
Cabin Interior
The Learjet 45 introduced a meaningfully larger cabin than the Lear 31A predecessor:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 19 ft 9 in |
| Cabin Width | 5.08 ft (61 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.92 ft (59 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | 410 cubic ft |
Seating Configurations
- Standard Double-Club (8 seats): Four-seat club + four-seat club aft
- Up to 9 Maximum: With belted lavatory seat (FAA-certified)
- Belted lavatory: Standard
- Flat floor: Industry standard improvement
Cabin Features
- Flat floor: Standard
- Double-club configuration: First in Learjet
- Leather seating: Standard premium materials
- Fold-out tables: Standard
- Honeywell RE-100 APU optional: Ground heating/cooling/power
- 65 cu ft baggage: 15 internal + 50 external
- Fully enclosed lavatory: Standard
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 464 ktas (534 mph, Mach 0.81) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 400 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,971 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft |
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to Dallas (1,373 nm)
- Los Angeles to Chicago (1,512 nm)
- Houston to Boston (1,531 nm)
- London to Athens (1,481 nm)
Engines
Two Honeywell TFE731-20AR turbofan engines, each producing 3,500 lbf of thrust (7,000 lbf total). The "AR" designation indicates the original Lear 45 engine variant; the later 45XR introduced the "BR" (TFE731-20BR) with higher ITT (Interstage Turbine Temperature) ratings for improved hot-and-high performance.
Avionics
Honeywell Primus 1000 integrated avionics suite:
- Modern EFIS displays: Glass cockpit
- Flight management system: Integrated FMS
- Weather radar: Standard
- TCAS: Standard
- TAWS: Standard
- Common retrofits: ADS-B Out, WAAS/LPV upgrades
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~175 gph) | $1,225 to $1,575 |
| Engine Reserve | $400 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $475 |
| Misc Variable | $300 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,400 to $2,750/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.2 million all-in.
Charter rates: $4,250 per hour starting.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2004 to 2006 Learjet 45 (final production) | $3,000,000 to $3,500,000 |
| 2001 to 2003 Learjet 45 | $2,700,000 to $3,200,000 |
| 1998 to 2000 Learjet 45 (early production) | $2,500,000 to $2,900,000 |
Note: The Learjet 45's resale value hit its low point in the early 2010s at approximately $5.2 million for newer aircraft. Bombardier factory product support has been historically inconsistent for Learjets, leading to occasional parts shortages and customer service challenges.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Learjet 31A: Substantial cabin, performance, and systems upgrades
- 8-Passenger Corporate Flight Departments: Double-club configuration
- Charter Operators: Modern Learjet at attainable cost
- Step-Up From Citation V Ultra: 51,000 ft ceiling, Mach 0.81 cruise
Less suited if:
- You need single-pilot certification (consider CJ family)
- You require modern Garmin G5000 touchscreen avionics (consider Lear 70/75)
- You want hot-and-high optimized performance (consider 45XR)
- You need transcontinental U.S. range with seats full (1,971 nm modest)
Pros and Cons
What the Learjet 45 Does Well
- First all-new Learjet design since 1963
- Double-club cabin configuration
- 410 cu ft cabin (substantially larger than Lear 31A)
- 1,971 nm range
- 464 ktas (Mach 0.81) cruise
- 51,000 ft service ceiling
- Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics
- Optional Honeywell RE-100 APU
- 50 cu ft external baggage
- 247-aircraft active fleet (strong support)
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Two-pilot operation required
- Bombardier factory support historically inconsistent for Learjets
- Avionics dated vs current Garmin G5000
- Higher operating costs than modern Williams FJ44-powered competitors
- Production ended 2006 (parts supply through Textron Aviation)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Learjet 45 different from the Learjet 31A?
The 45 (1998) was a clean-sheet design, fundamentally replacing the 31A. Key improvements include 410 cu ft cabin (vs 275 cu ft on 31A), double-club configuration (vs forward club on 31A), 50 cu ft external baggage (vs 31A's all-internal), Honeywell TFE731-20AR engines (vs TFE731-2), Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics (vs Bendix/King), and optional APU. Range improved from 1,290 nm (31A) to 1,971 nm.
How is the Learjet 45 different from the Learjet 45XR?
The 45XR (2003-2004) introduced the Honeywell TFE731-20BR engines (replacing -20AR) with higher Interstage Turbine Temperature ratings, delivering improvements in hot-and-high performance, reduced balanced field length, and increased payload-to-range. Same thrust (3,500 lbf each) but better performance envelope.
How far can a Learjet 45 fly?
The Learjet 45 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 1,971 nautical miles.
Is the Learjet 45 single-pilot certified?
No. The Learjet 45 requires two pilots.
How many Learjet 45s are in service?
247 Learjet 45 aircraft are active in the worldwide fleet as of recent counts, with 15 retired.
What engines power the Learjet 45?
Two Honeywell TFE731-20AR turbofan engines, each producing 3,500 lbf of thrust.
The Bottom Line
The Bombardier Learjet 45 represents the first major Learjet platform reset since 1963, delivering a modern double-club cabin, Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics, optional APU, and 1,971 nm range with Mach 0.81 cruise. At current pre-owned pricing of $2.5 to $3.5 million, the 45 offers genuine modern Learjet capability at attainable acquisition cost. With 247 active aircraft worldwide, the platform is well-supported despite Bombardier's discontinuation of the Learjet brand in 2022. For operators willing to accept dated avionics in exchange for proven Bombardier engineering, the 45 remains compelling.
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 45 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence.
[CTA Button: Talk to a Quantum Jets Broker]
Book a Learjet 45 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 45 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 45 availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
AVIA Technologies is the technology platform behind the Quantum Jets mobile app. The AVIA Technologies app powers the private jet charter marketplace experience: search the catalog, compare a Learjet 45 against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Learjet 45 for jet sales, manage a fleet under aircraft management or private jet management, and execute a private jet card purchase, all from one private jet app. The Quantum Jets app and the AVIA Technologies app share the same backend so client data, trip history, and aircraft preferences carry across both surfaces.
Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Learjet 45 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 45 Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Learjet 45 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 45 for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the Learjet 45 for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access Learjet 45-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
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 45 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 45 retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Learjet 45-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 45 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 45 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 45XR: Direct Successor (Better Hot-and-High Performance)
- Learjet 40: Shorter-Cabin Sibling
- Learjet 75: Modern Successor With G5000 Avionics
- Learjet 31A: Predecessor Platform
Production of the Learjet 45 ended in 2006. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Bombardier discontinued the Learjet brand in 2022. Specifications accurate as of 2026.