Learjet 45 vs Learjet 55

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.

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
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 45Learjet 55
All events1614
Serious10
Fatal34
Fatalities1518
% Fatal19%29%
View full Learjet 45 NTSB record →View full Learjet 55 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Learjet 45 Learjet 55
Learjet 45
View 58 listings →
Median $2,345,000
 Learjet 55
View 12 listings →
Median $595,000
Price Range $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 $431,000 – $1,055,000
Category Light Jet Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 9 10
Cruise Speed 438 kts (811 km/h) 430 kts (796 km/h)
Range 2,120 nm (3,926 km) 1,850 nm (3,426 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 575.0 gal (2176 L) 530.0 gal (2006 L)
Fuel Burn 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) 165.0 GPH (625 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $400,000 $400,000
Annual Fixed $350,000 $350,000
Hourly Variable $2,500 $2,600
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

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 45 or Learjet 55?

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 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 — 58 listings vs 12.

Pick the 55 if…

  • Budget matters — from $431,000 vs $1,761,250, you save ~$1,330,250.
  • More seats — 10 vs 9.

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 Learjet 55?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 45 cruises at 438 kts with 2,120 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 45 and Learjet 55?
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR. 55 engine: Garrett TFE731-3A-2B. Seats: 9 vs 10. Cruise: 438 vs 430 kts. Range: 2120 vs 1850 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
45: about $2500/hr variable cost. 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?
45: 9 seats / 5,200 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?
45: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000. 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