Learjet 31 vs Learjet 45

The Learjet 31 and Learjet 45 represent two eras of the same ambition — a Learjet that combined the brand's legendary speed with enough range and cabin to compete in the real business jet market. The Learjet 31 (introduced 1987) is a short-body jet with TFE731-2B engines derived from the 28/29 series — small cabin, blazing top speed (Mach 0.81), and the classic Learjet pilot-aircraft intimacy that made the brand famous. The Learjet 45 (1998) is a purpose-designed midsize that left the 31's DNA behind — new fuselage cross-section, Honeywell TFE731-20 engines, eight-passenger cabin, and a mission profile aimed at buyers choosing between light and midsize. The cross-shop is speed against cabin.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Learjet 31
For sale now
21
Model years available
1990–2002
Learjet 45
For sale now
61
Median asking
$2,345,000
Range
$1,761,250–$7,125,000
Model years available
1999–2012

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Learjet 31Learjet 45
All events316
Serious01
Fatal13
Fatalities415
% Fatal33%19%
View full Learjet 31 NTSB record →View full Learjet 45 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Learjet 31 Learjet 45
Learjet 31
View 19 listings →
Median $675,000
 Learjet 45
View 66 listings →
Median $2,345,000
Price Range $518,200 – $1,368,412 $1,761,250 – $7,125,000
Category Light Jet Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 8 9
Cruise Speed 445 kts (824 km/h) 438 kts (811 km/h)
Range 1,488 nm (2,756 km) 2,120 nm (3,926 km)
Service Ceiling 51,000 ft (15,545 m) 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Max Gross Weight 17,000 lbs (7,711 kg) 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg)
Useful Load 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg)
Fuel Capacity 413.0 gal (1563 L) 575.0 gal (2176 L)
Fuel Burn 145.0 GPH (549 L/h) 170.0 GPH (643 L/h)
TBO 4,000 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $300,000 $400,000
Annual Fixed $300,000 $350,000
Hourly Variable $2,200 $2,500
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Learjet 31

Fuel$798/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$300,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $740,000/yr

Learjet 45

Fuel$935/hr
Variable$2,500/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $850,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Learjet 31 or Learjet 45?

Bottom line: Choose the Learjet 31 for the pure Learjet experience and a lower cost of entry — the 31 is quicker to altitude, faster in cruise, and operates with a smaller footprint (shorter runway requirements, lower trip costs for three-to-four passenger missions). Choose the Learjet 45 when cabin capacity, modern avionics, and range drive the decision. The 45's eight-passenger cabin and better autopilot integration make it more comfortable for business missions where all seats are occupied, and its range at 2,200 nm is meaningfully better than the 31's approximately 1,500 nm. Safety axis: the Learjet 45 benefited from a newer design with improved crew alerting and a more modern avionics architecture than the 31. Both require type ratings and active recurrent training — Learjets are operationally demanding aircraft where proficiency is not optional.

Pick the 31 if…

  • Budget matters — from $518,200 vs $1,761,250, you save ~$1,243,050.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$2200/hr vs $2500/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 445 kts vs 438 kts.

Pick the 45 if…

  • More seats — 9 vs 8.
  • Longer range — 2120 nm vs 1488 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1988.
  • More inventory — 66 listings vs 19.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Learjet 31 still a practical business jet today?
Yes, for the right mission profile. The Learjet 31 remains a capable three-to-four-passenger aircraft for shorter legs where speed matters and cabin size is secondary. Maintenance support is available through Bombardier's service network (which maintains the Lear 31 type through its legacy programs) and independent Learjet specialists. Avionics upgradeability is limited by the original airframe design, but Primus-based upgrades are available.
What is the cabin difference between the Learjet 31 and 45?
The Learjet 31 has a cabin width of approximately 4 feet 11 inches — noticeably tighter than the 45's 5 feet 1 inch. The 45's cabin is also longer and taller. These measurements sound modest, but on a two-hour business flight with four passengers, the Learjet 45's 5'1" width is perceived as meaningfully more comfortable. Neither aircraft has stand-up headroom; for that, buyers need to step up to the Hawker 800 class.
Was the Learjet 31 replaced by the 45?
Not directly — the Learjet 31 and 45 coexisted in production for a period. The 31 was discontinued first (around 2003), while the 45 continued until the broader Learjet discontinuation in 2021. The 31 targeted the light jet segment while the 45 was positioned in midsize; they weren't direct substitutes but rather complementary models for different buyer profiles.
Which is better, Learjet 31 or Learjet 45?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 31 cruises at 445 kts with 1,488 nm range. The 45 cruises at 438 kts with 2,120 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Learjet 45: from $3,995,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Learjet 31 and Learjet 45?
31 engine: Garrett TFE731-2. 45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR. Seats: 8 vs 9. Cruise: 445 vs 438 kts. Range: 1488 vs 2120 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
31: about $2200/hr variable cost. 45: about $2500/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
31: 8 seats / 3,600 lb useful load. 45: 9 seats / 5,200 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
31: 4,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000. 45: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data