Learjet 55 vs Learjet 45
The Learjet 45 and Learjet 55 are different-generation Learjets: the 55 is the 1981-1987 "Longhorn" midsize Learjet with stand-up cabin and Garrett TFE731-3A engines; the 45 is the 1998-2012 clean-sheet light jet with TFE731-20 engines and a more modern airframe.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Learjet 55 | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $415,000 – $1,095,000 | $1,495,000 – $12,000,000 |
| Category | Midsize Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 430 kts (796 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 1,850 nm (3,426 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 530.0 gal (2006 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 165.0 GPH (625 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $350,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,600 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateLearjet 55
Fuel$908/hr
Variable$2,600/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$870,000/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 55 or Learjet 45?
Bottom line: Choose the Learjet 45 for a modern light Learjet with current avionics and a deep support fleet. Choose the 55 only for the cheapest entry into a stand-up Learjet cabin and accept the older engines, mandate-upgrade costs and thinner parts support.
Pick the 55 if…
- Budget matters — from $415,000 vs $1,495,000, you save ~$1,080,000.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
Pick the 45 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$2500/hr vs $2600/hr.
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 430 kts.
- Longer range — 2120 nm vs 1850 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1981.
- More inventory — 60 listings vs 12.
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 45?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 55 cruises at 430 kts with 1,850 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 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 45?
55 engine: Garrett TFE731-3A-2B.
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR.
Seats: 10 vs 9.
Cruise: 430 vs 438 kts.
Range: 1850 vs 2120 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
55: about $2600/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?
55: 10 seats / 5,200 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?
55: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data