Learjet 55 vs Learjet 35

The Learjet 35 (classic light, narrow cabin) and Learjet 55 (1980s "Longhorn" midsize, stand-up cabin) are different-class classic Learjets — the 35 has longer range in a small cabin; the 55 trades some range for the first stand-up Learjet cabin.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Learjet 55
For sale now
12
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
8
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
1981–1990
Learjet 35
For sale now
11
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
7
Source marketplaces
5
Model years available
1977–1989

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 55Learjet 35
All events1453
Serious00
Fatal422
Fatalities1857
% Fatal29%42%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Learjet 55 Learjet 35
Learjet 55
View 12 listings →
Median $595,000
Learjet 35
View 11 listings →
Median $812,500
Price Range $431,000 – $1,055,000 $553,750 – $1,071,250
Category Midsize Jet Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 10 8
Cruise Speed 430 kts (796 km/h) 425 kts (787 km/h)
Range 1,850 nm (3,426 km) 2,050 nm (3,797 km)
Service Ceiling 51,000 ft (15,545 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) 18,300 lbs (8,301 kg)
Useful Load 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) 4,600 lbs (2,087 kg)
Fuel Capacity 530.0 gal (2006 L) 530.0 gal (2006 L)
Fuel Burn 165.0 GPH (625 L/h) 150.0 GPH (568 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $400,000
Annual Fixed $350,000
Hourly Variable $2,600
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Learjet 55

Fuel$908/hr
Variable$2,600/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $870,000/yr

Learjet 35

Fuel$825/hr

Which Should You Buy: Learjet 55 or Learjet 35?

Bottom line: Choose the Learjet 35 for range, lower operating cost and the largest classic-Learjet support fleet. Choose the Learjet 55 only when the stand-up cabin matters more than range/economy, and budget for older systems and thinner parts support.

Pick the 55 if…

  • Budget matters — from $431,000 vs $553,750, you save ~$122,750.
  • More seats — 10 vs 8.
  • Faster cruise — 430 kts vs 425 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 1981 vs 1974.
  • More inventory — 12 listings vs 11.

Pick the 35 if…

  • Longer range — 2050 nm vs 1850 nm.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Learjet 55 or Learjet 35?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 55 cruises at 430 kts with 1,850 nm range. The 35 cruises at 425 kts with 2,050 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Learjet 55: from $895,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Learjet 55 and Learjet 35?
55 engine: Garrett TFE731-3A-2B. 35 engine: Garrett TFE731-2-2A. Seats: 10 vs 8. Cruise: 430 vs 425 kts. Range: 1850 vs 2050 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
55: about $2600/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?
55: 10 seats / 5,200 lb useful load. 35: 8 seats / 4,600 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?
55: 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data