Bombardier / 1998 - 2007
Bombardier Learjet 45
The Bombardier Learjet 45 is a light jet manufactured by Bombardier between 1998 and 2008.
Explore detailsThe Bombardier Learjet 45 is a key player in the midsize business jet market. It was created in the 1990s by Bombardier Aerospace. The Learjet 45 aimed to compete in the "super-light" business jet category, alongside models like the Cessna Citation Excel/XLS. Its development started in 1989, with the first...
The Bombardier Learjet 45 is designed with comfort in mind. It has a double-club seating arrangement, fitting up to 8 passengers. The cabin's flat floor and unique shape give more headroom, making it easy to move arou...
The Bombardier Learjet 45 is known for its top-notch performance. It can fly at a maximum speed of 460 knots (534 mph). This means it can quickly reach its destination. It has a range of 1,420 nautical miles. This all...
With 300 flight hours a year, the Learjet 45's yearly fixed costs are about $503,000. This includes crew salaries, hangar fees, insurance, and other expenses. The Learjet 45's variable costs are around $3,800 per hour. This covers fuel, maintenance, engine reserves, and more. So, the total yearly cost to operate the...
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Value History
Pre-owned market movement based on the stored acquisition timeline.
Range Profile
Compares practical operating range against full-seat and ferry scenarios.
Estimated reduction per added passenger: 61 NM
Hourly Cost Mix
North America hourly ownership cost composition based on stored operating inputs.
Noise Profile
Stored operational noise readings across the main reference conditions.
Key Facts
Operating Costs
With 300 flight hours a year, the Learjet 45's yearly fixed costs are about $503,000. This includes crew salaries, hangar fees, insurance, and other expenses.
The Learjet 45's variable costs are around $3,800 per hour.
This covers fuel, maintenance, engine reserves, and more. So, the total yearly cost to operate the Learjet 45 is $2,100,000.
Maintenance costs for the Learjet 45 are quite high. Each engine needs a $630,000 overhaul every 5,000 hours.
Mid-life inspections cost $315,000 every 2,500 hours. These maintenance costs can really add up and affect the overall cost of owning the aircraft.
| Cost Category | Annual Fixed Cost | Hourly Variable Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Crew Salaries | $408,000 | - |
| Hangar Fees | $45,300 | - |
| Hull Insurance | $6,818 | - |
| Liability Insurance | $35,000 | - |
| Miscellaneous | $8,300 | - |
| Fuel | - | $1,426 |
| Maintenance | - | $1,400 |
| Engine Reserves | - | $740 |
| Miscellaneous Variable | - | $230 |
While the Learjet 45 is an excellent aircraft, its operating costs are a big consideration. It's important to understand these costs when deciding if owning and operating this private jet is right for you.
What are the typical operating costs for the Bombardier Learjet 45?
With 300 flight hours a year, it costs $503,000 in fixed costs. Hourly costs are about $3,800.
So, it costs $2,100,000 a year to operate.
Range Map

Key Takeaways
- The Bombardier Learjet 45 is powered by two Honeywell TFE731-20AR engines, each providing 3,500 pounds of thrust.
- It can reach a maximum cruise speed of 464 knots and a range of 1,971 nautical miles.
- The aircraft can accommodate up to 8 passengers in a comfortable double-club configuration.
- The Learjet 45 is equipped with the Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics suite and can reach a cruising altitude of 51,000 feet.
- With a maximum takeoff weight of 20,500 lbs, the Learjet 45 is an agile and efficient midsize business jet.
Introduction to the Bombardier Learjet 45
The Bombardier Learjet 45 is a key player in the midsize business jet market. It was created in the 1990s by Bombardier Aerospace.
The Learjet 45 aimed to compete in the "super-light" business jet category, alongside models like the Cessna Citation Excel/XLS.
Its development started in 1989, with the first flight on October 7, 1995. The Learjet 45 met high safety and performance standards, certified under FAR Part 25.
It received FAA certification in September 1997 and was first delivered in mid-1998.
Today, over 248 Learjet 45s have been built, with 242 still flying worldwide. This shows its reliability and versatility.
Interestingly, 96% of Learjet 45s are sold in the pre-owned market. This highlights the aircraft's quality and strong demand in business aviation.
Performance Specifications

The Bombardier Learjet 45 is known for its top-notch performance. It can fly at a maximum speed of 460 knots (534 mph).
This means it can quickly reach its destination.
It has a range of 1,420 nautical miles. This allows for non-stop flights between big cities.
The Learjet 45 can fly up to 51,000 feet. This lets it avoid bad weather and commercial air traffic.
It offers a smooth journey.
It's also great for landing in small spaces. It needs only 4,400 feet to take off and 2,440 feet to land.
This makes it perfect for many airports.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 460 knots (534 mph) |
| Range | 1,420 nautical miles |
| Ceiling | 51,000 feet |
| Takeoff Distance | 4,400 feet |
| Landing Distance | 2,440 feet |
Dimensions and Capacity
The Bombardier Learjet 45 is a top-notch business jet. It has a length of 57.6 feet, a wingspan of 47.8 feet, and a tail height of 14.1 feet.
This makes it stand out in the sky.
The cabin is also impressive, measuring 19.8 feet long, 5.1 feet wide, and 4.9 feet tall. It can fit up to 8 passengers comfortably, thanks to its double club layout.
The Learjet 45 also has plenty of room for luggage. It has both internal and external baggage areas.
The internal area is 15 cubic feet, and the external area is 50 cubic feet. This means passengers can bring all their essentials on their trips.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 57.6 feet |
| Wingspan | 47.8 feet |
| Tail Height | 14.1 feet |
| Cabin Length | 19.8 feet |
| Cabin Width | 5.1 feet |
| Cabin Height | 4.9 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | Up to 8 |
| Internal Baggage Space | 15 cubic feet |
| External Baggage Space | 50 cubic feet |
The Learjet 45 is designed for business travelers. Its size and storage space make it a comfortable and efficient choice for flying.
Engine and Fuel Information
The Bombardier Learjet 45 has two Honeywell TFE731-20AR turbofan engines. Each engine produces 3,500 pounds of thrust.
These engines are a special version made for the Learjet 45 to boost its performance. They need to be overhauled every 5,000 hours.
The Learjet 45 uses about 205 gallons of fuel per hour. This lets it fly up to 2,200 nautical miles (2,532 miles or 4,074 kilometers).
The Learjet 45XR has even more powerful engines. They help the plane perform better in high-altitude areas.
Design and Comfort
The Bombardier Learjet 45 is designed with comfort in mind. It has a double-club seating arrangement, fitting up to 8 passengers.
The cabin's flat floor and unique shape give more headroom, making it easy to move around.
Inside, passengers find plush leather seats, fold-out tables, and a private lavatory. This lavatory can even serve as a ninth seat.
The Learjet 45's design is classic, with a semi-swept wing and sharp nose.
The Learjet 45 also has delta fins and winglets for better stability and less drag. These features improve its performance and make it visually striking.
It stands out in the private aviation world.
Learjet 45 Interior Features
- Double-club seating for up to 8 passengers
- Flat floor and non-circular cabin cross-section
- Leather seating for enhanced comfort
- Fold-out tables for work or dining
- Fully enclosed lavatory that can be used as a 9th seat
Safety Features

The Bombardier Learjet 45 has advanced safety features. These include better navigation, communication, and weather management.
The aircraft's avionics suite is powered by the Honeywell Primus 1000 system. It has dual flight management systems (FMS) and an improved autopilot.
The Learjet 45 also has an integrated traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS). This system watches the airspace around the plane.
It alerts pilots to potential conflicts with other planes. Many Learjet 45s have also been updated with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology.
The Learjet 45's design includes aerodynamic enhancements for safety. Vortilons on the wings prevent spanwise flow.
Small metal triangles help reduce airflow separation during high angle of attack maneuvers. These features make the plane stable and easy to control, helping pilots in different flight conditions.
Robert Frola (GFDL or GFDL), via Wikimedia CommonsAcquisition Costs

Used Learjet 45s can cost between $1,475,000 and $3,495,000. The average price for a used one is about $2,485,000.
The value of a Learjet 45 goes down by about 10% each year. This means it loses around $248,500 annually.
The exact cost depends on the aircraft's condition, any upgrades, and demand for used Learjet 45s.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| MSRP (New Learjet 45) | $10,300,000 |
| Typical Pre-Owned Price Range | $1,475,000 - $3,495,000 |
| Average Pre-Owned Purchase Price | $2,485,000 |
| Annual Depreciation | Approximately 10% or $248,500 |
Thinking about the Learjet 45's cost is key for those looking to buy. Whether new or used, understanding these costs is crucial.
It helps in making a smart choice and evaluating the aircraft's true value.
Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsComparisons with Competitors
The Learjet 45 is known for its speed, range, and cost-effectiveness. It sits between light and midsize jets in terms of performance and comfort.
The Lear 45XR can fly 1,889 miles at 425 mph, carrying 8 passengers. The Lear 45 has a similar range and speed, also seating 8 passengers.
| Aircraft Model | Range (miles) | Max Speed (mph) | Passenger Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learjet 45XR | 1,889 | 425 | 8 |
| Learjet 45 | 1,919 | 425 | 8 |
| Gulfstream IVSP | 4,062 | 464 | 13 |
| Gulfstream G650 | 6,950 | 502 | 18 |
| Dassault Falcon 7X | 5,723 | 476 | 12 |
| Citation CJ4 | 1,941 | 443 | 7 |
| Global 5000 | 5,216 | 459 | 13 |
| Challenger 605 | 4,020 | 447 | 10 |
| Hawker 4000 | 3,510 | 458 | 8 |
| Embraer Legacy 600 | 3,398 | 436 | 13 |
Market Demand and Trends
The Bombardier Learjet 45 is still a top pick in private flying, with 228 aircraft in use by 2023. Around 9% of these, or 21 planes, are for sale.
This shows that the Learjet 45 is in demand, thanks to its performance and cost savings.
Yet, the Learjet 45's resale value has dropped over the years. This is because newer jets have come out, making some owners want to switch.
Still, the Learjet 45 is seen as a solid and efficient choice for business and personal travel.
In places like Africa, the Learjet 45 is a hit. Countries like Angola, Uganda, and Ghana are seeing more interest in private flying.
They prefer the Learjet 45 for its ability to handle shorter trips well.
The Learjet 45 keeps its place in the Bombardier lineup. It meets the needs of those who want a jet that's both powerful and cost-effective.
Future of the Bombardier Learjet Line
The Learjet 45 was a hit for Bombardier, but they've moved on to newer models. The Learjet 70/75 series is the latest in the Learjet family.
But in February 2021, Bombardier stopped making Learjets to focus on the Challenger and Global lineup.
This move ends the Learjet era, but Bombardier will still support the Learjets already flying. The Learjet 75 Liberty, launched in 2019, had a $3 million price cut.
It also lost the auxiliary power unit (APU) and some seats to cut costs.
Other jets from Textron Aviation's Cessna and Embraer were selling much better. Learjet sales were much lower than the Challenger and Global jets.
This made Bombardier decide to stop making Learjets.
The Learjet brand has had tough times lately. The Learjet 85, launched in 2007, was canceled at a huge loss of $2.6 billion.
The Learjet 75 Liberty is the last model, ending the Learjet era in aviation.
Resources for Prospective Buyers
Looking to buy a Bombardier Learjet 45? You have many resources to help you. Aircraft brokers know the market well and can find the right plane for you.
They use their deep knowledge and connections to guide you through buying a plane.
Aviation consultants also offer great help. They know about costs, rules, and planning your fleet.
Their advice helps you choose wisely, based on your needs and budget.
Whether you use brokers, consultants, or do your own research, you have lots of help. These resources help you make a confident choice.
You can find the perfect Learjet 45 for your needs.
Conclusion
The Bombardier Learjet 45 has made a big impact in the midsize business jet market. It's known for its great performance, comfy cabin, and smart operating costs.
This makes it a favorite among those who love private flying and business travelers.
Even though Learjet production has stopped, the Learjet 45 still has a strong following. Bombardier keeps supporting and servicing it.
This means the Learjet 45 will keep being a great choice for business flying for a long time.
The Learjet 45 is perfect for those who want speed, range, and efficiency in a midsize jet. It's a top choice in the industry.
Its lasting appeal will keep shaping what private jet owners and operators want.
Its mix of performance, comfort, and value will keep the Learjet 45 a top pick in the midsize jet market. It's set to remain a standout option for a long time.
What are the key performance specifications of the Bombardier Learjet 45?
The Learjet 45 can fly at 464 knots and go 1,971 nautical miles. It reaches 51,000 feet high.
It takes off in 4,400 feet and lands in 2,440 feet.
What are the dimensions and cabin capacity of the Learjet 45?
It's 57.6 feet long, 47.8 feet wide, and 14.1 feet tall. Inside, it's 19.8 feet long, 5.1 feet wide, and 4.9 feet high.
It can hold up to 8 people.
What engines power the Bombardier Learjet 45?
It has two Honeywell TFE731-20AR engines. Each engine makes 3,500 pounds of thrust.
They need an overhaul every 5,000 hours.
How much does a Bombardier Learjet 45 cost to acquire?
Used ones cost between $1,475,000 and $3,495,000. The average price is around $2,485,000.
How does the Bombardier Learjet 45 compare to its competitors in the midsize business jet market?
It's in the "super-light" category, competing with the Cessna Citation Excel/XLS. It's faster than the Citation Excel but has a lower cabin height.
What are the typical use cases for the Bombardier Learjet 45?
It's used for corporate travel, reaching many places in one day. It's also used for charter, medical transport, sports team travel, and government flights.
What is the current market demand and fleet size for the Bombardier Learjet 45?
As of 2023, there are 228 Learjet 45s in service. About 9% (21 aircraft) are for sale.
Its demand is steady due to its performance and costs.
Private Aviation Advisory