Learjet 35 vs Learjet 55

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

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 35Learjet 55
All events5314
Serious00
Fatal224
Fatalities5718
% Fatal42%29%
View full Learjet 35 NTSB record →View full Learjet 55 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

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

Fuel$825/hr

Learjet 55

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

Which Should You Buy: Learjet 35 or Learjet 55?

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 35 if…

  • Longer range — 2050 nm vs 1850 nm.

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.

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 35 or Learjet 55?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 35 cruises at 425 kts with 2,050 nm range. The 55 cruises at 430 kts with 1,850 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 35 and Learjet 55?
35 engine: Garrett TFE731-2-2A. 55 engine: Garrett TFE731-3A-2B. Seats: 8 vs 10. Cruise: 425 vs 430 kts. Range: 2050 vs 1850 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?
35: 8 seats / 4,600 lb useful load. 55: 10 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. 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