Learjet 45 vs Bombardier Challenger 300

The Learjet 45 (light) and Challenger 300 (super-midsize) are different-class Bombardier-era jets — the 45 is a swept-wing light jet; the 300 is a super-mid workhorse.

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
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
25
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1999–2012
Bombardier Challenger 300
For sale now
42
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
12
Model years available
2004–2013

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 45Bombardier Challenger 300
All events16—
Serious1—
Fatal3—
Fatalities15—
% Fatal19%—
View full Learjet 45 NTSB record →View full Bombardier Challenger 300 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Learjet 45 Bombardier Challenger 300
Learjet 45
View 58 listings →
Median $2,345,000
 Bombardier Challenger 300
View 40 listings →
Median $11,954,912
Price Range $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 $5,201,473 – $14,063,250
Category Light Jet Super-Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 9 10
Cruise Speed 438 kts (811 km/h) 450 kts (833 km/h)
Range 2,120 nm (3,926 km) 3,100 nm (5,741 km)
Service Ceiling 51,000 ft (15,545 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) 38,850 lbs (17,622 kg)
Useful Load 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) 9,500 lbs (4,309 kg)
Fuel Capacity 575.0 gal (2176 L) 1,430.0 gal (5413 L)
Fuel Burn 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) 260.0 GPH (984 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $400,000 $700,000
Annual Fixed $350,000 $500,000
Hourly Variable $2,500 $3,500
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

Bombardier Challenger 300

Fuel$1,430/hr
Variable$3,500/hr
Annual Fixed$500,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $1,200,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Learjet 45 or Bombardier Challenger 300?

Bottom line: Choose the Learjet 45 for light-jet economics and ramp presence. Step up to the Challenger 300 when you need the super-mid cabin, ~3,200 nm range and modern systems. ================================================================ # GLOBAL × COMPETITORS (6) ================================================================

Pick the 45 if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,761,250 vs $5,201,473, you save ~$3,440,223.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$2500/hr vs $3500/hr.
  • More inventory — 58 listings vs 40.

Pick the Challenger 300 if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 9.
  • Faster cruise — 450 kts vs 438 kts.
  • Longer range — 3100 nm vs 2120 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1997.

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 45 or Bombardier Challenger 300?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 45 cruises at 438 kts with 2,120 nm range. The Challenger 300 cruises at 450 kts with 3,100 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 45 and Bombardier Challenger 300?
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR. Challenger 300 engine: Honeywell HTF7000. Seats: 9 vs 10. Cruise: 438 vs 450 kts. Range: 2120 vs 3100 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
45: about $2500/hr variable cost. Challenger 300: about $3500/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. Challenger 300: 10 seats / 9,500 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. Challenger 300: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$700,000. 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