Learjet 31 vs Learjet 45

The Learjet 31 (classic light, Garrett TFE731) and Learjet 45 (modern clean-sheet light) are predecessor-era and modern light Learjets — the 31 is the sharp-handling 1990s delta-fin jet; the 45 is the larger, more comfortable 1998+ design with a flat-floor cabin and modern avionics.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Learjet 31
For sale now
21
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
11
Source marketplaces
6
Model years available
1990–2002
Learjet 45
For sale now
61
Median asking
$2,345,000
Range
$1,761,250–$7,125,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
25
Source marketplaces
11
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 58 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 45 for the larger flat-floor cabin, modern systems and the youngest light-Learjet airframes. Choose the Learjet 31 for the lowest entry into Learjet ownership and sharp handling, accepting the smaller cabin and older systems.

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 — 58 listings vs 19.

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 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?
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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data