Light Jet - Legacy Production
Learjet 45XR: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Bombardier Aerospace
Learjet 45XR: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Bombardier Learjet 45XR, produced from 2003-2004 to 2012, is the performance-upgraded variant of the Learjet 45, designed to address hot-and-high operating limitations of the original 45. Powered by twin Honeywell TFE731-20BR turbofan engines producing 3,500 lbf each (same thrust as the 45's -20AR engines, but with higher Interstage Turbine Temperature ratings), the 45XR delivers improved hot-and-high performance, reduced balanced field length, increased payload-to-range capability, and 1,685 nautical miles seats-full range with NBAA IFR reserves. Maximum cruise reaches 464 ktas (Mach 0.81), service ceiling is 51,000 ft, typically operated with two pilots. The 45XR includes the Honeywell RE-100 Auxiliary Power Unit as standard (optional on the predecessor 45). A total of 208 Learjet 45XRs were built before production ended in 2012. Pre-owned market today: average $4.2 million.
For operators wanting Learjet 45 platform with improved hot-and-high performance and standard APU, the 45XR is the natural choice.
Learjet 45XR Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2012 |
| Production Start | 2003 (announced); 2004 service entry |
| Production End | 2012 |
| Total Units Built | 208 |
| Active Fleet (current) | 203 (with 4 retired) |
| Original Price (2012 New) | $11,000,000 |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 8 (double-club) |
| Passengers (Max) | 9 (certified with belted lavatory) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, seats full) | 1,643 to 1,685 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 464 ktas (534 mph, Mach 0.81) |
| Normal Cruise Speed | 436 ktas (502 mph) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 400 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 51,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Honeywell TFE731-20BR turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,500 lbf (7,000 lbf total) |
| Higher ITT Rating Than Lear 45 | Yes (key improvement) |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 1000 |
| APU | Honeywell RE-100 (standard) |
| 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) |
| Balanced Field Length | 4,914 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,135 ft |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $3,500,000 to $5,250,000 |
| Pre-Owned Average | $4,200,000 |
History as the Performance-Upgraded Lear 45
The Learjet 45XR was introduced in 2003-2004 as a performance improvement program addressing limitations found in some areas of the original Learjet 45. The key upgrade was the new TFE731-20BR engine variant with higher ITT (Interstage Turbine Temperature) ratings.
Platform timeline:
- 1998: Original Learjet 45 enters service
- 2003: Learjet 45XR launched
- 2004: 45XR full service entry (June 2004)
- 2006: Original Learjet 45 production ends, 45XR continues
- 2012: Learjet 45XR production ends (208 total built)
- 2013: Replaced by Learjet 75 (further modernized)
The 45XR continued through the late Learjet era, with the related Learjet 40 and 40XR variants forming Bombardier's complete Learjet product offering until the Learjet 70/75 introduction.
Key Improvements: 45XR vs Lear 45
The Learjet 45XR introduced several focused performance enhancements:
1. Honeywell TFE731-20BR Engines
The major improvement over the predecessor 45:
- Same 3,500 lbf thrust per engine: As the -20AR
- Higher Interstage Turbine Temperature ratings: Key technical change
- Wider temperature and density altitude operating envelope: Maintains thrust in hot/high conditions
- Reduced balanced field length: Better short-field capability
- Better payload-to-range: More flexibility
- Faster cruise speeds: Improved performance
- Faster time-to-climb: Better departure efficiency
2. Standard Honeywell RE-100 APU
The Honeywell RE-100 APU became standard equipment on the 45XR (it was optional from the factory on the original 45). Benefits:
- Ground operations independence: Heat/cool cabin without engine starts
- Pre-flight passenger comfort: APU runs while passengers board
- Reduced engine cycles: Engines started just before taxi
- Standard equipment: No optional cost
3. Refined Cabin
Newly-built 45XR units included subtle cabin improvements:
- Slightly rearranged cabin floor: Better space utilization
- More comfortable seats: Updated executive seating
- Improved lighting: Refined ambiance
- More legroom for passengers: Comfort improvement
Cabin Interior
The 45XR cabin retains the proven Learjet 45 dimensions:
| 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): Two four-seat club arrangements
- 9 Maximum: With belted lavatory seat (FAA-certified)
- Belted aft lavatory: Standard
Cabin Features
- Flat floor: Standard
- Standard Honeywell RE-100 APU: Ground operations
- Improved seating vs Lear 45: Refined for 2003-2012 production
- Better lighting: Modern cabin ambiance
- More legroom: Cabin floor refinements
- 65 cu ft baggage: 15 internal + 50 external
- Fully enclosed lavatory: Standard
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 464 ktas (Mach 0.81) |
| Normal Cruise Speed | 436 ktas (502 mph) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 400 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, seats full) | 1,643 to 1,685 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 4,914 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,135 ft |
The 45XR's balanced field length improvements over the original 45 come from the upgraded engine's better thrust retention in hot/high conditions.
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 TFE731-20BR turbofan engines, each producing 3,500 lbf of thrust (9,200 lbf total). The "BR" variant features:
- Higher ITT (Interstage Turbine Temperature) ratings: Key technical change vs -20AR
- Wider operating envelope: Better hot/high performance
- Same baseline thrust as Lear 45: 3,500 lbf
- Improved fuel consumption: Subtle efficiency gain
- Standard thrust reversers: Operational flexibility
Avionics
Honeywell Primus 1000 integrated avionics suite (same as Lear 45):
- EFIS displays: Modern 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 to $5,000 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2010 to 2012 Learjet 45XR (final production) | $4,750,000 to $5,250,000 |
| 2008 to 2009 Learjet 45XR | $4,450,000 to $4,800,000 |
| 2004 to 2007 Learjet 45XR (early production) | $3,500,000 to $4,200,000 |
Per AircraftBluebook: $4.45 to $5.25 million for 2008-2012 production years. Pre-owned average across all years: $4.2 million.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Learjet 45: Improved hot-and-high performance, standard APU
- Hot-and-High Operators: Critical use case for 45XR vs standard 45
- 8-Passenger Corporate Flight Departments: Double-club + standard APU
- Charter Operators: Modern Learjet at attainable cost
- High-Altitude/Hot-Climate Bases: Denver, Phoenix, mountain destinations
Less suited if:
- You need single-pilot certification (consider CJ family)
- You require modern Garmin G5000 touchscreen avionics
- You need transcontinental range (1,685 nm seats-full modest)
- You want Garmin Bombardier Vision flight deck (consider Lear 75)
Pros and Cons
What the Learjet 45XR Does Well
- TFE731-20BR engines with higher ITT (better hot-and-high)
- Standard Honeywell RE-100 APU
- 410 cu ft double-club cabin
- 51,000 ft service ceiling
- 464 ktas (Mach 0.81) cruise
- Refined cabin vs Lear 45
- Reduced balanced field length vs Lear 45
- 203-aircraft active fleet (strong support)
- 50 cu ft external baggage
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Two-pilot operation required
- 1,643-1,685 nm seats-full range modest
- Avionics dated vs current Garmin G5000
- Bombardier factory support historically inconsistent
- Production ended 2012 (parts supply through Textron Aviation)
- Same baseline thrust as Lear 45 (improvements are in operating envelope)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Learjet 45XR different from the Learjet 45?
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. The Honeywell RE-100 APU became standard (was optional on the original 45). Cabin had minor refinements with improved seating, lighting, and legroom.
How many Learjet 45XRs were built?
A total of 208 Learjet 45XR aircraft were built during the 2003 to 2012 production run, with 203 active and 4 retired as of recent counts.
Is the Learjet 45XR single-pilot certified?
No. The Learjet 45XR requires two pilots.
How far can a Learjet 45XR fly?
The Learjet 45XR has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 1,643 to 1,685 nautical miles with seats full.
What is the Honeywell RE-100 APU?
The Honeywell RE-100 is the standard Auxiliary Power Unit on the Learjet 45XR, providing electrical power and pneumatic source for cabin heating/cooling on the ground without requiring engine starts. It enables passenger boarding with full cabin conditioning and pre-flight engine preparation.
What is the difference between Learjet 45XR and Learjet 75?
The Learjet 75 (2013) is the major successor to the 45XR, introducing the Garmin G5000-based Bombardier Vision avionics suite (replacing Primus 1000), upgraded Honeywell TFE731-40BR engines (3,850 lbf vs 45XR's 3,500 lbf), redesigned canted winglets, and refined cabin systems. The 75 has 2,040 nm range vs 45XR's 1,685 nm.
The Bottom Line
The Bombardier Learjet 45XR is the proven performance-upgraded variant of the Learjet 45 platform, delivering improved hot-and-high capability through TFE731-20BR engines, standard Honeywell RE-100 APU, and refined cabin. With 208 aircraft built and 203 active in fleet, the platform is well-supported. At current pre-owned pricing averaging $4.2 million, the 45XR delivers modern Learjet capability with the practical advantage of standard APU and improved hot-and-high performance. For operators based in hot or high-altitude markets, the 45XR is meaningfully better than the standard 45.
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 45XR market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with attention to engine programs and APU service plans.
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Book a Learjet 45XR 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 45XR 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 45XR 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 45XR against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Learjet 45XR 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 45XR 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 45XR Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Learjet 45XR 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 45XR 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 45XR 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 45XR-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 45XR 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 45XR retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Learjet 45XR-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 45XR 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 45XR 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: Predecessor Variant (No Standard APU, -20AR Engines)
- Learjet 40XR: Shorter-Cabin Sibling
- Learjet 75: Modern Successor With G5000 Avionics
Production of the Learjet 45XR ended in 2012. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Bombardier discontinued the Learjet brand in 2022. Specifications accurate as of 2026.