Charter a Learjet 31

The Learjet 31 is the last Learjet design that traces directly back to Bill Lear's original Model 23 of 1963 - and, as Aviation Week described it, the aircraft that combined the best of three earlier Learjet models into a single airframe. Learjet mated the fuselage and TFE731-2 turbofan engines of the Learjet 35A with the "Longhorn" supercritical wing of the Learjet 55, then added Delta Fins on the lower rear fuselage to eliminate the Dutch roll and stall characteristics that had required a stick pusher on earlier Learjets. The result was a 51,000 ft service ceiling with Stage 3-compliant turbofan engines, docile low-speed handling and Mach 0.77 cruise - the key step forward from the Stage 2 CJ610 turbojets of the Learjet 25. The first Learjet 31 flew on 11 May 1987 and received FAA certification in August 1988. The original 31 (38 aircraft built 1988-1991) was followed by the substantially improved 31A from October 1990, with Mach 0.81 cruise, EFIS avionics and higher MTOW options. The 31A/ER added extended-range fuel capacity. A total of 242 aircraft were built before production ended in 2003, with over 200 Learjet 31 aircraft remaining in service globally.

The Learjet 31A became the standard from 1991 - featuring Bendix/King EFIS 50 avionics, steer-by-wire nosewheel, electrically heated windshield, Mach 0.81 cruise (increased 4% over the 31's Mach 0.77) and VMO increased from 300 to 325 kt. In 2000 a further revision added FADEC N1 engine control, thrust reversers as standard, two-zone climate control and increased takeoff and landing weights to 17,700 lb. Raisbeck's aft fuselage locker modification (available on most active aircraft) adds 12 ft³ external baggage and improves aft fuselage aerodynamics. The Raisbeck ZR Lite trailing-edge flap package improves fuel efficiency and performance further. Charter prices start from approximately £1,200 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Learjet 31?

• Delta Fins - the aerodynamic innovation that defines the Learjet 31; docile stall without a stick pusher. Aviation Week confirmed the Learjet 31's "signature anhedral Delta Fins on the tailcone gave it docile low-speed handling characteristics on a par with the far slower Citation 500/550." The Delta Fins - triangular aerodynamic surfaces on the lower rear fuselage - increased directional stability, eliminated Dutch roll, induced a docile stall character and reduced approach speeds. The result, confirmed by Jane's All the World's Aircraft, was that the Learjet 31 no longer required the stick pusher/puller system that earlier Learjets needed for certification. Only a stick shaker and single yaw damper remained. Learjet pilots who have reached 51,000 ft wear "510" lapel pins - a reference to the 31's unofficial designation among operators who appreciate its ceiling;
• TFE731-2 turbofan engines - Stage 3 compliant; 3,500 lbf each; no hushkit required at European airports. The shift from the CJ610 turbojet of the Learjet 25 to the Honeywell TFE731-2 turbofan on the Learjet 31 was the defining generational upgrade. The TFE731 delivers 3,500 lbf thrust at Stage 3 noise compliance - no hushkit, no airport noise restrictions, no operational limitations at UK and European airports. AOPA confirmed the TFE731-2 to -2C engine upgrade (available on 2000-onwards 31As) further improves fuel efficiency. The TFE731 family has accumulated hundreds of millions of flight hours across the Learjet 35, 36, 45, 55 and 60 series, providing depth of MRO experience and parts availability for the Learjet 31 fleet;
• 51,000 ft service ceiling; Mach 0.81 (31A); 47,000 ft in 27 minutes - the highest civil aviation ceiling in the light jet class. CharterJets confirmed the Learjet 31A reaches 47,000 ft in 27 minutes. The 51,000 ft service ceiling is shared by only a handful of civil aircraft. Wikipedia confirmed "normal cruise altitudes range from 41,000 to 47,000 feet and the aircraft's maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 feet is a distinction shared by only a handful of civil aircraft." At these altitudes the Learjet 31A operates above all commercial traffic and above virtually all weather on European and regional sectors. Jane's confirmed the 31A cruise Mach increased 4% to 0.81 and VMO increased from 300 to 325 kt versus the original 31. The 31A's cruise speed of Mach 0.81 makes it one of the fastest aircraft in the light jet category;
• Longhorn supercritical wing from Learjet 55 - better low-speed handling and approach than any earlier small-fuselage Learjet. The Learjet 31 inherited the 55's Longhorn wing - a supercritical aerofoil developed for the Learjet 28/29 that provides higher lift at lower speeds than the straight wings of the 25 series. Aviation Week confirmed the combination of Longhorn wing, winglets and Delta Fins gave the 31 "excellent runway performance" at approach speeds "on a par with the far slower Citation 500/550." The winglet-equipped Longhorn wing does not have tip tanks (unlike the Learjet 25 and 35), which reduces fuel capacity versus the 35A but reduces weight and drag. The ZR Lite trailing-edge flap modification from Raisbeck Engineering restores some of the efficiency lost through the tip tank elimination;
• Raisbeck aft fuselage locker; ZR Lite flaps; 52 ft³ total baggage - popular aftermarket upgrades on most active aircraft. AOPA confirmed "two of the most popular aftermarket enhancements are Raisbeck's aft fuselage locker and its ZR Lite package. The locker can store up to 300 pounds of luggage and improves aft fuselage aerodynamics." The locker adds 12 ft³ external baggage to the 40 ft³ internal compartment, giving 52 ft³ total on locker-equipped aircraft. The ZR Lite trailing-edge flap system improves fuel efficiency and short-field performance. CharterJets confirmed most active charter Learjet 31As carry the Raisbeck locker. Check whether a specific aircraft has the Raisbeck modifications before booking if external baggage access is required;
• 242 aircraft built; 200+ in service; Singapore Airlines training fleet operator; $600K-$1.75M pre-owned values. Wikipedia confirmed 242 Learjet 31 aircraft were produced between 1988 and 2003, with over 200 remaining in service globally. AOPA confirmed Singapore Airlines purchased six Learjet 31s for flight training - reflecting the type's handling qualities and operational value beyond executive charter. Aviation Week documented pre-owned values of $650,000 to $800,000 for late 31As. The charter fleet is concentrated in North America and Europe, with the 31A the dominant variant available. Aircraft enrolled in Honeywell MSP engine maintenance programmes carry higher values and better maintenance predictability.

Charter cost - Learjet 31 prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £1,200 to £1,600 - above the Learjet 25 (Stage 2, lower ceiling) and broadly comparable to the Citation 501 and King Air 300, reflecting the 31A's Mach 0.81 cruise, 51,000 ft ceiling and Stage 3 turbofan compliance. For 5 to 7 passengers on short UK and European sectors where the Learjet performance level and Stage 3 compliance at all airports are both priorities, the Learjet 31A is the entry-level choice in the Learjet turbofan family.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Edinburgh - from £1,440 (6 passengers, approximately 50 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £1,560 (6 passengers, approximately 55 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £2,160 (6 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• Edinburgh to Amsterdam - from £1,800 (6 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• London to Nice - from £3,000 (6 passengers, approximately 1 hour 35 minutes);
• London to Dublin - from £1,440 (6 passengers, approximately 55 minutes);
• Manchester to Barcelona - from £2,640 (6 passengers, approximately 1 hour 50 minutes).

Empty Leg flights appear on repositioning routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the Learjet 31

Best matched to short UK and European missions where Mach 0.81 cruise, 51,000 ft ceiling, Stage 3 turbofan compliance and Learjet hot-rod performance serve groups of 5 to 7:

• Short European day trips (50 to 100 minutes) where Mach 0.81 is the fastest available light jet speed. Paris, Geneva, Amsterdam, Brussels and Barcelona are all within 55 to 110 minutes at Mach 0.81 cruise. At 47,000 ft the Learjet 31A operates above all commercial traffic and above most weather. CharterJets confirmed typical cruise altitudes of 45,000 to 47,000 ft. On a London to Geneva sector the Learjet 31A is approximately 10 to 15% faster than a King Air 300 or Pilatus PC-12 at the same stage, and comparable to newer Citation CJ-series jets at lower charter rates;
• UK regional and European operations where Stage 3 compliance is required at all airports. Unlike the Learjet 25's Stage 2 CJ610 engines, the Learjet 31A's TFE731-2 turbofans are fully Stage 3 compliant without modification. No hushkit, no airport noise restriction, no operational limitation at any UK or European airport. For charter clients who operate from London City, Biggin Hill or other noise-sensitive UK airports, the Learjet 31A's Stage 3 compliance provides unrestricted access that the Learjet 25 cannot guarantee;
• Sectors within 1,290-1,911 nm where the 31A/ER range covers most UK and European destinations. AOPA confirmed the standard 31A range of 1,290 nm (NBAA IFR) and the 31A/ER at 1,911 nm. London to Marrakech (approximately 1,300 nm), London to Istanbul (approximately 1,550 nm at lighter loads) and London to the Canaries are all within reach of the /ER variant. For standard missions within 1,200 nm, the base 31A covers all UK regional and core European destinations;
• Speed-priority missions where the Learjet 31A's Mach 0.81 exceeds most competing light jets. Aviation Week confirmed the 31A's Mach 0.81 cruise is 4% faster than the original 31's Mach 0.77, with VMO increased from 300 to 325 kt. On short to medium European sectors the 31A is faster than the Pilatus PC-12 NGX (290 kt), King Air 300 (320 kt) and comparable to the Hawker 800XP (447 kt at higher rates). For clients whose priority is the fastest available light jet at the lowest available rate, the Learjet 31A is among the top options in the category;
• Groups of 5 to 7 where the Erda adjustable seats and 3-divan layout provide comfortable short-sector seating. Air Charter Service confirmed the typical layout of four Erda 10-way adjustable seats plus a 3-seat divan, with foldaway tables throughout. The Erda seats recline, swivel and adjust to suit working or resting positions on short sectors. The forward lavatory functions as an emergency facility with privacy curtain - adequate for sectors under 2 hours. The 40 ft³ internal baggage plus 12 ft³ Raisbeck locker (on locker-equipped aircraft) accommodates four to five standard suitcases.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Learjet 31 cabin measures 3.94 m (12 ft 11 in) long, 1.49 m (4 ft 11 in) wide and 1.32 m (4 ft 4 in) high - 268 ft³, with the same cross-section as the Learjet 35A. The standard configuration of four Erda 10-way adjustable seats (recline, swivel, adjust) plus a 3-seat forward-facing divan seats six to seven passengers comfortably. Aviation Week described the Learjet 31A with "all seats filled" as "about as comfortable and practical as a Porsche 911 with front and rear seats stuffed with adults" - tight but energetic. For 4 to 6 passengers the cabin is adequately comfortable on sectors up to 2 hours.

The forward lavatory provides privacy via curtains rather than an enclosed door - adequate for emergency use but not a private facility. A hot and cold beverage station is standard. Baggage is 40 ft³ internal (cabin access only) plus 12 ft³ Raisbeck external locker on locker-equipped aircraft. The Learjet 31A avionics include Bendix/King EFIS 50 with Universal FMS, dual KFC 3100 autopilot and Bendix/King VCS-40A comms. The 2000-updated 31A adds FADEC N1 engine control and two-zone climate control.

• Cabin. 3.94 m x 1.49 m x 1.32 m; 268 ft³; pressurised; 9.4 psi differential;
• Layout. 4 Erda adjustable seats + 3-seat divan = 7 standard; 8 maximum;
• Lavatory. Forward; curtain privacy (emergency use); hot/cold beverage station;
• Baggage. 40 ft³ internal + 12 ft³ Raisbeck external locker (most aircraft) = 52 ft³;
• Engines. 2 x Honeywell TFE731-2 (3,500 lbf each; Stage 3; turbofan);
• Avionics (31A). Bendix/King EFIS 50; Universal FMS; dual KFC 3100 autopilot; steer-by-wire nosewheel;
• Mods. Raisbeck aft locker and ZR Lite flaps available on most active aircraft.

Technical specifications

Learjet 31 vs similar aircraft

• Learjet 31A vs Learjet 25D. The Learjet 25D uses CJ610-8A turbojet engines (Stage 2; hushkit required for most European airports) versus the Learjet 31A's TFE731-2 turbofans (Stage 3; unrestricted). The 31A is 4% faster at Mach 0.81, the 25D requires Stage 3 compliance for many airports and the 25D has lower charter rates. For any operation at UK or European airports where Stage 3 is required, the Learjet 31A is the operationally practical choice. For owner-operators in North America or Latin America where Stage 2 restrictions are less prevalent, the Learjet 25D offers comparable performance at lower rates;
• Learjet 31A vs Cessna Citation CJ2+. The Citation CJ2+ has modern Garmin G3000 avionics, single-pilot certification and a longer cabin (4.60 m vs 3.94 m). Charter rates are broadly comparable. The Learjet 31A counters with Mach 0.81 cruise (vs CJ2+'s approximately 416 kt), the 51,000 ft ceiling (vs CJ2+'s 45,000 ft), the Delta Fins aerodynamic stability, and the Learjet performance heritage at a comparable rate. For speed and ceiling the 31A is superior; for cabin length and modern avionics the CJ2+ is preferable;
• Learjet 31A vs Learjet 35A. The Learjet 35A shares the same TFE731-2 engines and similar fuselage as the 31A but has the original tip-tank configuration providing significantly more range (over 2,000 nm vs 1,290 nm standard 31A) and 738 aircraft built. Charter rates for the 35A are broadly comparable. The 31A counters with the Delta Fins aerodynamic improvements, the Longhorn wing's better low-speed handling, Mach 0.81 speed (vs 35A's approximately Mach 0.79) and the modernised 31A avionics. For range-critical missions the 35A is preferable; for shorter sectors the 31A provides superior handling and a small speed advantage.

Frequently asked questions - Learjet 31 charter

How much does it cost to charter a Learjet 31?
Charter rates run from approximately £1,200 to £1,600 per flight hour. London to Edinburgh costs from £1,440 for 6 passengers. London to Geneva costs from £2,160. London to Nice costs from £3,000. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

What are the Delta Fins on the Learjet 31?
The Delta Fins are small anhedral aerodynamic surfaces fitted to the lower rear fuselage - visible as triangular protrusions below the tail. Jane's confirmed they "increase directional stability, eliminate Dutch roll, induce a docile stall and reduce approach speeds." The Delta Fins also eliminated the need for the stick pusher/puller system required on earlier Learjets, simplifying certification and reducing pilot workload. Aviation Week noted the 31's low-speed handling was "on a par with the far slower Citation 500/550" as a direct result.

What is the difference between the Learjet 31 and Learjet 31A?
The 31A (from October 1990) introduced Bendix/King EFIS 50 avionics with Universal FMS, increased cruise speed to Mach 0.81 (from Mach 0.77), VMO increased from 300 to 325 kt, steer-by-wire nosewheel, electrically heated windshield and higher MTOW options. The 2000-updated 31A added FADEC N1 engine control, thrust reversers as standard, two-zone climate control and increased weights to 17,700 lb. Most Learjet 31s in charter service today are 31A variants.

Is the Learjet 31 Stage 3 noise compliant?
Yes - the Learjet 31 and 31A are fully Stage 3 compliant with the Honeywell TFE731-2 turbofan engines. No hushkit is required. This is the key upgrade over the Learjet 25's Stage 2 CJ610 turbojets, providing unrestricted access to all UK and European airports including noise-sensitive locations such as London City, Biggin Hill and Farnborough.

How many passengers can fly on a Learjet 31?
Seven in the standard configuration: four Erda 10-way adjustable seats plus a 3-seat divan. Eight is the maximum. The forward lavatory is a curtained emergency facility, adequate for sectors under 2 hours. Total baggage capacity is 40 ft³ internal plus 12 ft³ external Raisbeck locker on locker-equipped aircraft. The cabin height of 1.32 m does not allow standing during flight.