Learjet 45 vs Learjet 60

The Learjet 45 and the Learjet 60 are two of the last original Learjet designs — not variants of each other, but separate aircraft that Bombardier developed and produced under the same storied name. The Learjet 45 (1998 certification) was designed from a clean sheet to update the Learjet proposition: a wider cabin than the classic narrow-tube Learjets, two Honeywell TFE731-20 engines, and a certified range approaching 2,000 nm. It was intended to make the Learjet relevant to buyers who had grown weary of the original cabin's tight quarters. The Learjet 60 (1993 certification) took a different path — a re-engined and stretched Learjet 55 with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A engines, a longer-range fuel system, and the ability to complete coast-to-coast U.S. nonstop with a real payload. Both are midsize jets with the Learjet performance pedigree, but they serve different operator profiles and have distinct maintenance stories. The cross-shop is legitimate.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Learjet 45
For sale now
61
Median asking
$2,345,000
Range
$1,761,250–$7,125,000
Model years available
1999–2012
Learjet 60
For sale now
44
Median asking
$3,650,000
Range
$2,331,500–$4,975,000
Model years available
1994–2013

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 45Learjet 60
All events168
Serious10
Fatal30
Fatalities150
% Fatal19%0%
View full Learjet 45 NTSB record →View full Learjet 60 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Learjet 45 Learjet 60
Learjet 45
View 61 listings →
Median $2,345,000
 Learjet 60
View 43 listings →
Median $3,650,000
Price Range $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 $2,331,500 – $4,975,000
Category Light Jet Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 9 10
Cruise Speed 438 kts (811 km/h) 438 kts (811 km/h)
Range 2,120 nm (3,926 km) 2,405 nm (4,454 km)
Service Ceiling 51,000 ft (15,545 m) 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Max Gross Weight 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) 23,500 lbs (10,660 kg)
Useful Load 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) 5,800 lbs (2,631 kg)
Fuel Capacity 575.0 gal (2176 L) 635.0 gal (2403 L)
Fuel Burn 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) 185.0 GPH (700 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $400,000 $450,000
Annual Fixed $350,000 $380,000
Hourly Variable $2,500 $2,800
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Learjet 45

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

Learjet 60

Fuel$1,018/hr
Variable$2,800/hr
Annual Fixed$380,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $940,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Learjet 45 or Learjet 60?

Bottom line: Choose the Learjet 45 (or 45 XR extended range variant) for the TFE731 engine's extensive MRO support, the wider parts and maintenance base, and the ergonomics that made the 45's cabin more practical than the original Learjet experience. The 45's Primus 1000 avionics (or upgraded Garmin systems on many preowned aircraft) are supported by an active community, and the TFE731 has a massive installed base across business aviation that makes MRO access straightforward. Choose the Learjet 60 for more range — the PW305A engines and 60's fuel system give it the coast-to-coast capability that the 45 approaches but the 60 accomplishes more reliably — and for the seven-to-eight seat cabin that handles full loads more comfortably on longer missions. Safety axis: both the 45 and 60 are Part 25 twin jets with strong safety records requiring two pilots and type ratings. The Learjet 60 requires a separate type rating from the 45 — a pilot current on the 45 cannot legally fly the 60 without additional training and a separate practical test. Confirm type currency before evaluating either aircraft for acquisition.

Pick the 45 if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,761,250 vs $2,331,500, you save ~$570,250.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$2500/hr vs $2800/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1993.
  • More inventory — 61 listings vs 43.

Pick the 60 if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 9.
  • Longer range — 2405 nm vs 2120 nm.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Learjet 45 and the Learjet 45 XR?
The Learjet 45 XR (Extended Range) introduced winglet modifications and a revised fuel system that extended the base 45's range. The XR also incorporated interior and avionics improvements relative to early production 45s. In the used market, buyers should confirm whether a given aircraft is standard-configuration 45 or XR, as the range difference is operationally meaningful for longer domestic missions. The XR designation appears on the Type Certificate data sheet; it can also be confirmed through maintenance records.
What engines does the Learjet 45 use versus the Learjet 60?
The Learjet 45 uses Honeywell TFE731-20 engines; the Learjet 60 uses Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A engines. Both are proven business jet turbofan powerplants with strong safety records. The TFE731 has an enormous installed base across business aviation — Dassault Falcon variants and many other business jets use TFE731 family engines — giving it deep, widespread MRO support. The PW305A is more specific to the Learjet 60 and Hawker 1000 and typically requires Learjet-specialist shops for major events.
Are the Learjet 45 and Learjet 60 type ratings interchangeable?
No. The Learjet 45 and Learjet 60 carry separate type certificates and require separate type ratings. A pilot holding a Learjet 45 type rating cannot legally act as pilot-in-command of the 60 without a separate practical test with an FAA examiner (or EASA equivalent). The aircraft's handling characteristics, systems, and engines are different enough that the FAA treats them as distinct types. Bombardier's authorized training centers and FlightSafety both offer dedicated programs for each variant.
Which is better, Learjet 45 or Learjet 60?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 45 cruises at 438 kts with 2,120 nm range. The 60 cruises at 438 kts with 2,405 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Learjet 45: from $3,995,000. Learjet 60: from $2,388,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Learjet 45 and Learjet 60?
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR. 60 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305. Seats: 9 vs 10. Cruise: 438 vs 438 kts. Range: 2120 vs 2405 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
45: about $2500/hr variable cost. 60: about $2800/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?
45: 9 seats / 5,200 lb useful load. 60: 10 seats / 5,800 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?
45: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000. 60: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$450,000. 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data