Charter a Learjet 35

The Learjet 35 is the aircraft that established the Learjet 35A as the most widely built and most recognised Learjet in history - over 600 of the 35A variant alone were produced between 1976 and 1993, making it the best-selling model in the entire Learjet line. The Learjet 35 began as a straightforward engine upgrade of the Learjet 25: Learjet originally planned simply to replace the CJ610 turbojets with the quieter TFE731 turbofan, calling the project the Learjet 26. But the engine change required a 13-inch forward fuselage extension, wings stretched two feet on each side and an airframe redesign - enough that the result became a new model. The prototype first flew on 22 August 1973 and received FAA certification in July 1974. The Learjet 35A, introduced in 1976, added higher fuel capacity (931 US gallons in the wing tip tanks and fuselage), increasing NBAA IFR range to approximately 2,500 nm with four passengers. Production ended in 1993 with serial number 677. Wikipedia confirmed over 500 Learjet 35s remain in service worldwide despite the model being nearly 50 years old - more than any other Learjet variant.

The Learjet 35A is powered by two Honeywell (Garrett) TFE731-2-2B turbofan engines at 3,500 lbf each - the same family that powers the Learjet 31A and 55, and the engine that first brought Stage 3 noise compliance and turbofan fuel efficiency to the Learjet line. Maximum cruise speed is 452 kt (Mach 0.81) at 41,000 ft; long-range cruise is 424 kt at 43,000 ft. The tip tanks that distinguish the Learjet 35 visually from all other Learjets - also present on the 25 series - hold a significant portion of the 931-gallon fuel load and are refuelled at ground level through each wingtip. The Learjet 35 has no enclosed lavatory in standard configuration; it is a pure performance aircraft. Charter prices start from approximately £1,500 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Learjet 35?

• 600+ Learjet 35As built; 500+ still in service; largest active Learjet fleet - the most available light jet in the world. Wikipedia confirmed over 500 Learjet 35s remain active worldwide despite the model being nearly 50 years old. AvBuyer documented 340 of 607 built still in operation as of 2024 - a 56% survival rate across five decades. The depth of this fleet means charter availability on the Learjet 35 is higher than any other Learjet variant - on most European charter markets, multiple 35As are available within 24 hours. The large fleet also means a deep MRO base: TFE731-2-2B engine overhaul facilities, parts suppliers and Learjet 35-type-rated crews are available across Europe, North America and Latin America. For charter clients who need guaranteed availability, the Learjet 35A fleet depth is the primary argument;
• TFE731-2-2B turbofan - first turbofan Learjet; Stage 3 compliant; same family as Learjet 31A and 55; 3,500 lbf each. FlyCraft confirmed the Learjet 35A was the first Learjet with turbofan engines - a generational upgrade from the CJ610 turbojets of the 25 series. The TFE731-2-2B produces 3,500 lbf at full Stage 3 noise compliance, with no hushkit required at any UK or European airport. The same TFE731 family powers the Learjet 31A and 55, providing training and maintenance synergies across the fleet. The turbofan bypass ratio delivers a meaningful fuel burn reduction versus the CJ610 at high-altitude cruise, contributing to the 35A's 2,500 nm range at four-passenger loading. Engine enrolled in the Honeywell MSP programme carry higher value and maintenance predictability;
• 452 kt max cruise / Mach 0.81; 45,000 ft ceiling; around-the-world speed record holder (1996). Air Charter Advisors confirmed the 1996 round-the-world record: a Learjet 35A completed the circumnavigation in 49 hours, 21 minutes and 8 seconds - a record standing as of 2015, with the aircraft displayed in Terminal C of Denver International Airport. The 452 kt maximum cruise at FL410 and 424 kt long-range cruise at FL430 place the Learjet 35A among the fastest aircraft in the light jet category. Maximum cruise of Mach 0.81 matches the Learjet 31A and is competitive with the Embraer Phenom 300. At 45,000 ft the Learjet 35A operates above all commercial traffic and above most convective weather on European and transatlantic-adjacent sectors;
• 2,500 nm NBAA IFR range - London to Reykjavik, New York to Los Angeles; transatlantic-capable at lighter loads. Air Charter Advisors confirmed the 35A range of 2,789 miles (approximately 2,425 nm ferry range; NBAA IFR with 4 passengers approximately 2,060-2,125 nm). The Learjet 35A offers more range than the Learjet 31A (1,290 nm standard) - primarily because the tip tank configuration retains the fuel capacity that the Learjet 31's winglet conversion sacrificed. From UK airports this enables London to Reykjavik, Edinburgh to Canary Islands and London to the Azores non-stop. At lighter two-to-three passenger loads, transatlantic operations with a fuel stop are feasible;
• Military pedigree: USAF C-21A (38 aircraft); Falklands War participant; RCMP; Italian Air Force; Bulgarian AF. The Learjet 35's military adoption as the C-21A in USAF service (38 aircraft) and US Air National Guard (18 aircraft) reflects its structural durability and operational reliability. Wikipedia documented the Learjet 35's role in the Falklands War: an Argentine Learjet 35 of Escuadrón Fénix was shot down by HMS Exeter on 7 June 1982 during a reconnaissance mission - the first business jet known to have been lost in combat. Other military operators include the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Italian Air Force, Bulgarian Air Force and Polish Medical Air Rescue. This government and military pedigree confirms the type's structural integrity across demanding operational roles over five decades;
• Medevac workhorse; movie fleet; most recognisable Learjet - the aircraft that defined "private jet" visually. Air Charter Service confirmed the Learjet 35's "particularly well-known" medevac role: the right-hand seating removes for a stretcher, making it "a popular medevac aircraft when configured for 2 to 4 passengers." Wikipedia listed major film appearances: The Final Countdown (1980 aerial sequences), Fast and Furious 6, The Bourne Legacy, Prison Break and many others. A 2018 Corporate Jet Investor survey found 14.9% of Americans recognised the Learjet brand - more than Boeing's 12.5% - a reflection of the Learjet 35's decades of cultural visibility. The tip tanks, swept wings and T-tail create the silhouette that defined "private jet" for a generation.

Charter cost - Learjet 35 prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £1,500 to £2,000 - in the light jet category, above the Learjet 25 and 31 and broadly comparable to the Embraer Phenom 300, reflecting the 35A's 452 kt cruise, 2,500 nm range and the deepest available charter fleet in the light jet segment. For 5 to 8 passengers on short and medium European missions where range and availability are priorities, the Learjet 35A is the most available option in the Learjet family.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Edinburgh - from £1,800 (7 passengers, approximately 50 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £1,875 (7 passengers, approximately 55 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £2,625 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• London to Nice - from £3,375 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 35 minutes);
• London to Madrid - from £3,750 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 50 minutes);
• London to Istanbul - from £7,500 (7 passengers, non-stop, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes);
• London to Dublin - from £1,875 (7 passengers, approximately 55 minutes).

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

Ideal routes for the Learjet 35

Best matched to short and medium European missions where 452 kt cruise, 2,500 nm range and the largest available light jet fleet serve groups of 5 to 8:

• Short European day trips (50 to 100 minutes) where speed and fleet availability combine. Edinburgh, Manchester, Paris, Geneva, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Nice are all within 50 to 100 minutes at 452 kt cruise. The Learjet 35A's combination of speed and fleet depth means same-day availability is typically achievable in the UK and European charter market. For corporate clients on same-day return missions who cannot accept "no aircraft available," the Learjet 35A's 500+ active aircraft provide the widest selection of any light jet type;
• Medium European and North African sectors (1.5 to 3.5 hours) within 2,000 nm. Madrid, Rome, Athens, Istanbul, Marrakech, Casablanca and Tel Aviv are all within reach. The tip tank fuel configuration gives the Learjet 35A approximately 800 nm more range than the Learjet 31A on the same mission, enabling non-stop sectors that require a fuel stop in the 31A. For groups of 5 to 6 on these longer European sectors, the 35A's range advantage is the selection argument over the shorter-range 31A;
• Medevac and medical transfer missions - established configuration; USAF and Polish Medical Air Rescue operator. The Learjet 35's medevac configuration removes the starboard seating for a stretcher, oxygen equipment and IV apparatus - the same established process as the Learjet 25. Polish Medical Air Rescue operates the Learjet 35 as a dedicated medical transfer platform. For charter clients requiring medical evacuation capability with an established aircraft type, the Learjet 35 is the most common medevac jet in the European market;
• Groups of 6 to 8 where the fold-down divan and double-club forward seating provide standard light jet comfort. The Learjet 35A standard configuration of four individual forward seats plus a 3-seat fold-down aft divan provides seven seats; eight are possible in the maximum layout. A minibar in the centre of the cabin provides basic refreshment service. The 40 ft³ internal baggage compartment (behind the aft divan, cabin access only) accommodates up to eight standard suitcases. There is no enclosed lavatory in standard Learjet 35 configuration - a practical constraint on sectors over 2 hours;
• Longer-range intercontinental-adjacent sectors where 2,500 nm NBAA range enables non-stop that competitors cannot match. London to Reykjavik (approximately 1,180 nm), Edinburgh to the Canary Islands (approximately 1,900 nm), London to the Azores (approximately 1,500 nm) and London to Dakar with fuel stop are all achievable. The Learjet 35A's range advantage over the Learjet 31A (approximately 800 nm more) and the Learjet 25 (approximately 1,200 nm more) makes it the right choice for missions where range is the binding constraint.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Learjet 35A cabin measures 3.94 m (12.9 ft) long, 1.49 m (4.9 ft) wide and 1.31 m (4.3 ft) high - 268 ft³, sharing the same cross-section as the Learjet 25 and 31. The standard configuration seats seven passengers: four individual seats (three aft of the door, one forward-facing) plus a 3-seat fold-down aft divan. A minibar is typically positioned in the centre of the cabin. There is no enclosed lavatory in the standard Learjet 35 - the 36A variant carries one, but the standard 35A does not. This is the principal comfort limitation on sectors over 90 to 120 minutes.

Baggage is 40 ft³ internal, located behind the aft divan and accessible from inside the cabin only. The wingtip tanks (part of the airframe) are fuelled from ground level through each wingtip and are not passenger-accessible. The avionics suite varies by aircraft age and refurbishment: original 35As carry Collins analogue instruments; updated aircraft carry Collins EFIS with PFDs, MFD, colour weather radar and FMS. FlyCraft confirmed digital flight deck options are available as upgrades. Pressurisation is 9.4 psi, maintaining a sea-level cabin to 25,700 ft. Two TFE731-2-2B engines at 3,500 lbf each; Stage 3 compliant throughout.

• Cabin. 3.94 m x 1.49 m x 1.31 m; 268 ft³; pressurised; 9.4 psi; sea-level to 25,700 ft;
• Layout. 4 individual seats + 3-seat fold-down divan = 7 standard; minibar centre cabin;
• Lavatory. None in standard 35A (36A has one); practical limitation on long sectors;
• Baggage. 40 ft³ internal (aft of divan; cabin access only); tip tanks are fuel only;
• Engines. 2 x Honeywell TFE731-2-2B (3,500 lbf each; Stage 3; turbofan);
• Avionics. Collins (varies: analogue original or EFIS with PFDs/MFD/FMS on updated aircraft);
• Tip tanks. Distinctive wingtip tanks hold fuel (931 gal total capacity); define the 35's silhouette.

Technical specifications

Learjet 35 vs similar aircraft

• Learjet 35A vs Learjet 31A. The Learjet 31A has a higher cruise speed (Mach 0.81 identical) and the Delta Fins aerodynamic improvements, but its Longhorn wing without tip tanks gives only 1,290 nm NBAA IFR range versus the 35A's 2,060+ nm - approximately 800 nm less. The 35A also has a significantly larger fleet (600+ built vs 242 total 31/31A). For missions within 1,200 nm the 31A is comparable; for any mission where range is the binding constraint, the 35A's tip tank fuel capacity is decisive. Charter rates are broadly similar;
• Learjet 35A vs Embraer Phenom 300E. The Phenom 300E has a larger cabin (4.92 m vs 3.94 m), modern Garmin G3000 avionics, lower fuel burn and factory Embraer support. Charter rates for the Phenom 300E run approximately 20 to 30% above the 35A. The Learjet 35A counters with 452 kt cruise (comparable), 2,060 nm range (comparable), lower charter rates, the tip tank visual identity and the deepest light jet charter fleet available. For budget-sensitive groups on short European sectors, the 35A provides comparable speed at meaningfully lower rates;
• Learjet 35A vs Learjet 55. The Learjet 55 is the first Learjet with a stand-up cabin (1.72 m height vs 1.31 m on the 35A), wider at 1.83 m and with a proper enclosed lavatory. Charter rates for the 55 run approximately 20 to 35% above the 35A. The 35A counters with lower rates, the larger active fleet and comparable speed. For groups of 5 to 6 on short sectors where the sit-down cabin is acceptable, the 35A at lower rates is the practical choice; for groups on 2-hour-plus sectors where lavatory access and stand-up headroom matter, the Learjet 55 is worth the additional rate.

Frequently asked questions - Learjet 35 charter

How much does it cost to charter a Learjet 35?
Charter rates run from approximately £1,500 to £2,000 per flight hour. London to Edinburgh costs from £1,800 for 7 passengers. London to Geneva costs from £2,625. London to Istanbul costs from £7,500 non-stop. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

Does the Learjet 35 have a lavatory?
The standard Learjet 35 and 35A do not have an enclosed lavatory. Air Charter Service confirmed this is a practical consideration on sectors over 90 to 120 minutes. The Learjet 36A variant (extended range version with smaller passenger cabin) typically includes an enclosed lavatory. Confirm lavatory availability with the operator before booking if it is a requirement for your mission.

What are the wingtip tanks on the Learjet 35?
The distinctive tip tanks are fuel tanks integrated into the wingtips, holding a significant portion of the Learjet 35A's 931-gallon total fuel capacity. They are refuelled at ground level through each wingtip and are not passenger-accessible during flight. The tip tanks are the visual signature that distinguishes the Learjet 35 from the Learjet 31 (which has winglets instead of tip tanks) and contribute directly to the 35A's 2,000+ nm range advantage over the Learjet 31A.

How many Learjet 35s are still flying?
Wikipedia confirmed over 500 Learjet 35s remain in service worldwide despite the type being nearly 50 years old - the largest active fleet of any Learjet variant. AvBuyer documented 340 of 607 built still in operation as of 2024. The combination of TFE731 turbofan longevity, structural durability and low pre-owned acquisition cost keeps Learjet 35As economically viable in charter, medevac and military service globally.

What is the difference between the Learjet 35 and 35A?
The Learjet 35A (from 1976) replaced the original 35 with TFE731-2-2B engines (vs -2-2A), higher maximum fuel capacity (931 gal vs less on the original 35), higher MTOW and improved avionics. The 35A is the variant that accounts for 600+ of the total production run and is the variant available in charter today. The original Learjet 35 (64 built, 1974-1976) is rarely encountered in commercial charter.