Learjet 45 vs Learjet 60

The Learjet 45 (modern light) and Learjet 60 (modern midsize) are both Bombardier-era Learjets but sit in different segments — the 60 has a bigger stand-up cabin, PW305 engines and longer range than the 45.

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 60
For sale now
44
Median asking
$3,650,000
Range
$2,331,500–$4,975,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
20
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1994–2013

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 45Learjet 60
All events168
Serious10
Fatal30
Fatalities150
% Fatal19%0%
View full Learjet 45 NTSB record →View full Learjet 60 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Learjet 45 Learjet 60
Learjet 45
View 58 listings →
Median $2,345,000
 Learjet 60
View 43 listings →
Median $3,650,000
Price Range $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 $2,331,500 – $4,975,000
Category Light Jet Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 9 10
Cruise Speed 438 kts (811 km/h) 438 kts (811 km/h)
Range 2,120 nm (3,926 km) 2,405 nm (4,454 km)
Service Ceiling 51,000 ft (15,545 m) 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Max Gross Weight 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) 23,500 lbs (10,660 kg)
Useful Load 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) 5,800 lbs (2,631 kg)
Fuel Capacity 575.0 gal (2176 L) 635.0 gal (2403 L)
Fuel Burn 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) 185.0 GPH (700 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $400,000 $450,000
Annual Fixed $350,000 $380,000
Hourly Variable $2,500 $2,800
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 60

Fuel$1,018/hr
Variable$2,800/hr
Annual Fixed$380,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $940,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Learjet 45 or Learjet 60?

Bottom line: Choose the 45 for light-jet economics, an excellent ramp presence and transcontinental range. Step up to the 60 when you need the midsize cabin and ~400 nm more range — at materially higher acquisition and per-hour cost.

Pick the 45 if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,761,250 vs $2,331,500, you save ~$570,250.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$2500/hr vs $2800/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1993.
  • More inventory — 58 listings vs 43.

Pick the 60 if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 9.
  • Longer range — 2405 nm vs 2120 nm.

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 60?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 45 cruises at 438 kts with 2,120 nm range. The 60 cruises at 438 kts with 2,405 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 Learjet 60?
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR. 60 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305. Seats: 9 vs 10. Cruise: 438 vs 438 kts. Range: 2120 vs 2405 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
45: about $2500/hr variable cost. 60: about $2800/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. 60: 10 seats / 5,800 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. 60: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$450,000. 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