- Updated: 3rd Nov 2021
- René Banglesdorf
- Aviation Video Articles
The Bombardier Learjet 45 Mid-Size Jet marked a significant milestone for the Learjet brand when it took flight in the mid-1990s. The Learjet 45 was the first completely new aircraft design in the line since the original Learjet platform back in the 1960s.
Par Avion Ltd.
The Bombardier Learjet 45 costs between $2.35m for a 1998 model and $3.45m for a 2007 version, according to the Autumn 2022 data from Aircraft Bluebook. However, the individual price for a specific serial number will be determined by an aircraft’s maintenance condition and logbooks, among other items, and, as a result, values for models built in the same year could vary.
The Learjet 45 is often contrasted with the Cessna Citation Excel and its subsequent upgrades, the Citation XLS and XLS+. The Citation Excel was launched at roughly the same time as the Learjet 45, and is also usually configured to carry eight passengers while offering a range of about 1,800nm.
The Learjet 45 has been noted for its long range capabilities and speed, even with a relatively high number of passengers. These attributes helped it carve out a strong position in intercity travel within North America, where the majority of the aircraft fly today.
The Bombardier Learjet 45XR offers a range of upgrades to the original model, perhaps most notably around the performance of the upgraded Honeywell TFE731-20BR engine and increased MTOW. These updates allow the aircraft to fly about 100nm further with eight passengers than the Learjet 45.
Bombardier Learjet 45 Jet Overview
By Gerrard Cowan - Editor, Aircraft Reviews
The Learjet 45 was certified in 1997. It was produced for a decade, with 247 units manufactured during that time (per JETNET data). The vast majority remain in service today. JETNET reported just 12 fleet retirements (as of August 2022). Bombardier has noted the aircraft’s particular suitability for charter services.
Boasting a longer fuselage (by 24.5 inches) and maximum range (1,960nm) than the Learjet 40, the Bombardier Learjet 45XR light jet is equipped with a four-screen Honeywell Primus 1000 EFIS avionics system, powered by Honeywell TFE731-20 engines, and typically configured for eight in the cabin.
Since its introduction, Bombardier continued to evolve the Learjet 45 platform, notably through the development of the smaller Learjet 40, and the subsequent upgrade of both platforms into the Learjet 45XR and 40XR, respectively, which offer customers a greater range than the original models.
What features does the Bombardier Learjet 45 offer?
The Learjet 45 features two Honeywell TFE731-20 turbofan engines and has a maximum range of just over 1,800nm. The aircraft normally has eight seats arranged in a standard ‘double club’ configuration and is equipped with a Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics suite.
For the latest market data and full specification information for the Learjet45 jet, view the live data feeds on this page from aviation’s leading data providers - Aircraft Blue Book, JETNET, Conklin & de Decker and Asset Insight.
What came before and after the Bombardier Learjet 45?
As mentioned, the Learjet 45 was part of a long-established family of aircraft that traces its history back to the Learjet 23. The aircraft was, however, the first clean-sheet design since the original Model 23.
Since then, the company has released the Learjet 40, a smaller derivative of the Learjet 45, and upgraded the Learjet 45 with the Learjet 45XR.
Today, the Learjet 75 is seen as the modern successor, with the Learjet 75 Liberty being Bombardier’s major focus for the line currently. It builds on the successes of the Learjet 45XR, with improved engines, winglets, and Garmin G5000 avionics.
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