Learjet Models, Specs, Cabin, Range & Which Learjet Fits Your Mission

The Learjet is one of the most iconic names in private aviation. Since the first model took flight in 1963, it has defined what fast, efficient, business-focused private travel looks like — and the name remains a touchstone for the entire industry to this day. If you’re considering a private jet charter and the word “Learjet” has come up, this guide is for you.

Below, we cover what makes a Learjet a Learjet, where the aircraft sits within the broader private jet fleet categories, and what to expect when you charter one through Charter Jet One. For specific model availability and a quote tailored to your route, our team is available 24/7.

What Is a Learjet?

A Learjet is a series of business jets whose story begins in 1963 — the year the first model took flight and, as Charter Jet One’s own history of private jets notes, “the concept of private aviation as we know it today was born.” That first aircraft quickly broke the record for the fastest private jet of its time, setting a performance standard that has defined the Learjet name ever since.

Learjets sit primarily within the light jet and very light jet categories — it’s described as “the most efficient private jets in the industry,” ideal for business travel, quick day trips, and short to mid-range city charters. They are known particularly for speed, their ability to access smaller regional airports, and an efficient airframe that keeps operating costs lower than larger cabin aircraft.

The Learjet 45, introduced in 1995, is highlighted in Charter Jet One’s aviation history as one of the aircraft that “thrust the history of the private jet industry into the 21st century” — a testament to the model line’s consequential role in the broader market.

Where Does a Learjet Sit in the Private Jet Fleet?

To understand a Learjet, it helps to know how Charter Jet One categorises the full range of available aircraft. Private jets span from economical twin pistons through to long-range jumbo jets, and the Learjet occupies the efficient, high-speed end of the lighter categories:

Learjets — depending on model — typically fall within the very light jet or light jet charter categories, with later models edging toward midsize. This positioning means they are particularly well suited to clients who prioritize speed and efficiency over maximum cabin space — a Learjet will get you there faster and more directly than most alternatives in its class.

Learjet Performance & What the Light Jet Category Delivers

Because Learjets are primarily light jet aircraft, the performance benchmarks Charter Jet One publishes for that category give you a reliable picture of what to expect. According to Charter Jet One’s fleet page, aircraft in this class offer:

In practical terms, a non-stop range of approximately 1,700 miles covers routes like New York to Miami, Los Angeles to Denver, or Chicago to Dallas comfortably. The cruising speed of up to 400 knots means you’re travelling faster than most turboprop or piston alternatives, with the comfort and amenities of a dedicated business jet cabin.

Charter Jet One notes that light jets are “one of the most common types of charter planes for business” and that they offer “the most cost-effective choice in private jet travel” within the jet category. They can fly farther and faster than turboprops while maintaining high efficiency — a balance the Learjet has embodied since its inception.

Learjet Models 

The Learjet name encompasses a range of models that have evolved significantly over the past six decades. While Charter Jet One does not publish individual model spec sheets — availability and configuration vary by operator — the models most commonly discussed and requested include:

Learjet 24 and Learjet 25

The earlier generation of the Learjet family, the Learjet 24 and Learjet 25, represents the original compact, high-speed design that made the name famous. Smaller than later variants, they are valued for their ability to access shorter runways and serve regional airports that larger jets cannot reach. For clients looking for a nimble, efficient aircraft on shorter routes — the Northeast corridor, Florida, or Caribbean hops — these models remain a relevant option.

• Category: Light jet / Very light jet
• Mission profile: Short regional routes, tight runway access

Learjet 35A

The Learjet 35A is one of the most widely recognized and frequently chartered variants of the Learjet. An evolution of the original design, it extended range and passenger capacity while retaining the speed and short-field performance that defines the family. It sits firmly within the light jet charter category and is a strong choice for domestic business travel with small groups.

• Category: Light jet charter
• Mission profile: Domestic coast-to-coast, small groups, speed-focused travel

Learjet 45

Introduced in 1995, the Learjet 45 is specifically called out in Charter Jet One’s private aviation history as one of the aircraft that brought the Learjet line into the modern era. It brought a clean-sheet design with updated avionics, a redesigned wing, and improved efficiency — and in doing so became one of the most popular charter jets in its class. The Learjet 45 bridges the light jet and midsize categories.

• Category: Light jet / lower midsize
• Mission profile: Versatile domestic routes, strong short-runway performance

Learjet 55

The Learjet 55 marked a significant step forward in cabin comfort within the Learjet family. It was designed with a larger, more liveable interior than earlier models, making it well-suited to passengers who need to work or rest on longer domestic missions. It occupies the boundary between the light jet and midsize jet categories.

• Category: Light jet / lower midsize
• Mission profile: Longer domestic flights, passenger comfort priority

Learjet 75

The Learjet 75 is the most recent and most advanced model in the Learjet production line. Featuring modern glass-cockpit avionics, an enhanced cabin, and the performance characteristics the family is known for, it represents the pinnacle of the Learjet legacy. For clients who want the most up-to-date Learjet experience available for charter, the 75 is the natural choice within the light jet charter range.

• Category: Light jet charter
• Mission profile: Premium Learjet experience, modern avionics, enhanced cabin comfort

Which Learjet Is Right for Your Mission?

The right Learjet model comes down to three practical considerations: how far you’re going, how many passengers you’re carrying, and whether speed or cabin space is the bigger priority. Here’s a simple framework:

• Short regional routes with 2–5 passengers → Learjet 24 or 25: compact, fast, excellent runway access
• Domestic business travel with up to 8 passengers → Learjet 35A: the workhorse of the family, proven and efficient
• Modern avionics and versatile mid-range performance → Learjet 45: the aircraft that brought the line into the 21st century
• Longer domestic missions with comfort as a priority → Learjet 55: the most spacious of the classic Learjet variants
• The most current Learjet experience available → Learjet 75: latest avionics, best cabin, peak of the line

   

Not sure which category best fits your trip? Charter Jet One’s team can walk you through the full range of available aircraft — from very light jets through super midsize options — and recommend the most appropriate aircraft for your specific route, group size, and budget. If flexibility is a factor, it’s worth exploring empty-leg flights.

Learjet Safety Standards

Every Learjet chartered through Charter Jet One operates under the same rigorous safety framework applied across the entire fleet. According to Charter Jet One’s published safety standards:

• All aircraft are certified under FAA Regulations Part 135 — the standard governing safety, maintenance, and operations for the charter industry
• All operators are Wyvern or Argus rated — the highest independent safety audit standards in private aviation
• Pilots must have a minimum of 3,500 to 4,000 hours of flight experience — exceeding FAA minimums, many with military flight experience
• Charter Jet One requires criteria above and beyond FAA requirements, including world-class maintenance training, higher minimum pilot experience, and ongoing simulator training
• All operators carry insurance in excess of $100 million

Learjet experience is specifically cited on Charter Jet One’s safety page as an example of the type-specific qualification standards required of pilots. This means the crew operating your Learjet is not simply a generalist private aviation pilot — they have demonstrated proficiency on the specific aircraft type you’re flying.

How to Charter a Learjet Through Charter Jet One

Booking a Learjet charter with Charter Jet One is straightforward. The company operates an on-demand model. You request the aircraft you need for the trip you have, when you need it.

• Request a quote online or call directly on (844) 251-0555 or (212) 279-1095 — available 24/7
• Provide your route, dates, passenger count, and any special requirements
• Charter Jet One’s team will match you with the right Learjet model and operator for your mission
• If your schedule is flexible, ask about empty leg availability on your route for significant cost savings
• Frequent travellers benefit from the Charter Jet One Jet Card — guaranteed availability, no blackout dates, rewards across the whole fleet

Frequently Asked Questions About Learjet Charters

Reviewed by Richard Berger, CEO of Charter Jet One (25 November 2025): Richard Berger is recognized for his expertise in private aviation and commitment to redefining luxury travel. He is credited with establishing the company’s focus on efficiency and flexibility, offering high-profile clients a bespoke travel experience. A key priority under his leadership is integrating sustainable practices into the fleet and operations. Read more here.