Charter a Learjet 40XR

The Learjet 40 and Learjet 40XR are the most capable Learjet models derived from the clean-sheet Learjet 45 design - not predecessors of the 45, but a shortened version of it. Bombardier announced the Learjet 40 at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2002: the same all-new fuselage and semi-supercritical winglet wing as the Learjet 45, but with 24.5 inches (60 cm) removed from the cabin, six seats instead of eight, and 100 gallons less fuel capacity. The reduced dimensions produced a lighter airframe that improved performance and lowered operating costs per seat while retaining the Learjet 45's flat floor, stand-up headroom and Delta Fins. The Learjet 40 received FAA certification in July 2003 as an amendment to the Learjet 45 type certificate and entered service in January 2004. The Learjet 40XR followed in October 2004 (service entry 2005), replacing the Learjet 40's TFE731-20AR engines with the uprated TFE731-20BR ("BR") variant. The BR engines improve hot-and-high performance, shorten the balanced field length in high-temperature conditions and produce a faster time-to-climb. Business Jet Traveler confirmed a 40XR "will fly 936 nautical miles farther than a straight 40" on longer missions, with 177 nm more range at sea-level airport conditions. Production of the 40XR ended in 2012 with 92 to 93 aircraft built; all remain in operation.

The Learjet 40XR's 363 ft³ flat-floor cabin with 5.39 m length is confirmed by FlyCraft as "the largest in its class and about 20% larger than that of its competitors." Business Jet Traveler noted "more passenger legroom on the 40 than on the larger model 45." The avionics suite is the Honeywell Primus 1000 with four DU870 EFIS displays, EICAS, TCAS 2000, Primus 660 colour weather radar, EGPWS with windshear alert and Universal UNS-1E FMS. Baggage capacity totals 65 ft³ - 50 ft³ external compartment plus 15 ft³ aft wardrobe. Charter prices start from approximately £2,000 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Learjet 40XR?

• 363 ft³ flat-floor cabin; largest in the light jet class; 20% more volume than competitors; more legroom than the larger Learjet 45. FlyCraft confirmed the Learjet 40XR cabin volume of 363 ft³ is "the largest in its class and about 20% larger than that of its competitors." Business Jet Traveler confirmed "there is more passenger legroom on the 40 than on the larger model 45" - a result of the 40's shorter fuselage concentrating the same seat spacing across fewer rows. The flat floor runs throughout the 5.39 m cabin length, with fold-out sidewall tables at every seat position. Six slide/swivel reclining seats in a forward club-four plus two forward-facing arrangement are the standard layout. Air Charter Service confirmed "there's slightly more legroom on the Learjet 40XR than the larger Learjet 45." The aft lavatory with sink, belted flushing potty and 15 ft³ wardrobe is a full facility - unlike the curtained emergency lavatory of the Learjet 35A. This is the cabin argument that makes the 40XR the premium option in its weight class;
• TFE731-20BR engines - hot-and-high performance improvement; shorter BFL in high temperatures; faster climb; 5,000-hr TBO. The Learjet 40XR's defining upgrade over the base 40 is the switch from TFE731-20AR to TFE731-20BR engines. Both produce 3,500 lbf, but the BR configuration reduces balanced field length at higher temperatures and improves time-to-climb. Business Jet Traveler confirmed the XR engines "were tweaked to reduce balanced field length at higher temperatures and offer improved time to climb and better high-speed cruise." Many Learjet 40s have been converted to 40XR specification with the BR engine retrofit. The 5,000-hour TBO provides strong maintenance economics for the 92-aircraft active fleet. The fuel burn of 212 to 234 gph is competitive for the 51,000 ft ceiling and 460 kt performance envelope;
• 51,000 ft service ceiling; 460 kt / Mach 0.81 cruise; cabin altitude 7,800 ft at ceiling - above all commercial traffic. Jettly confirmed the Learjet 40XR's 51,000 ft service ceiling - shared with the Learjet 31A and matching the highest civil certification in the light jet class. At 460 kt maximum cruise (Mach 0.81) and 51,000 ft, the 40XR operates above all commercial traffic and above all weather on European and medium-range sectors. The cabin altitude of 7,800 ft at maximum ceiling is comfortable for sectors up to 3 hours. The sea-level cabin is maintained to 25,700 ft. Compared with the Cessna Citation Encore, Business Jet Traveler confirmed the 40 "provides 45 knots faster cruise speed and 200 nautical miles of additional range" - a difference that widens further with the 40XR's BR engine advantage;
• FAR Part 25 certification - commercial transport standard; two-pilot operations; Delta Fins retained from Learjet 31. Business Jet Traveler confirmed "the 40 is also built to the more rigorous FAA Part 25 standards for larger business jets and must be flown with two pilots." The Learjet 40XR inherits the Learjet 31A's Delta Fins on the lower rear fuselage, providing the docile low-speed handling and absence of stick pusher that the Delta Fins introduced to the 31. The semi-supercritical winglet wing from the Learjet 45 adds further aerodynamic efficiency at cruise. The trailing-link main landing gear provides smooth touchdowns on all runway surfaces. The FAR Part 25 standard means the 40XR meets the same certification rigour as commercial transport category aircraft - a higher threshold than FAR Part 23 light jets;
• 1,862 nm NBAA IFR range - London to Marrakech, Edinburgh to Istanbul; 936 nm more than base Learjet 40. Jetcraft confirmed 1,862 nm NBAA IFR range with 4 passengers. Business Jet Traveler documented the 40XR "will fly 936 nautical miles farther than a straight 40" on longer missions, with 177 nm more at sea-level airports. From UK airports this enables London to Marrakech (approximately 1,400 nm), Edinburgh to Istanbul (approximately 1,650 nm) and London to the Canary Islands (approximately 1,850 nm) non-stop. The 65 ft³ total baggage capacity - 50 ft³ in the external aft compartment plus 15 ft³ wardrobe - accommodates approximately five to six standard suitcases alongside a full six-passenger load. The external compartment is ground-accessible during turnarounds;
• 92 aircraft built; all in operation; 76% North America fleet; $2-4M pre-owned; competitive mid-generation avionics. Jetcraft confirmed 92 Learjet 40XR aircraft are in operation - 100% fleet utilisation. GlobalAir confirmed all models manufactured remain in operation. Fleet distribution: 76% North America. The Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics with four DU870 EFIS displays, EICAS, TCAS 2000, Primus 660 weather radar and EGPWS provide a complete digital glass cockpit. Business Jet Traveler noted CRT-to-LCD display conversion as an upgrade that "makes economic sense" on aircraft where CRT displays have been retained. Pre-owned values of $2 to $4.65 million reflect a stable mid-generation market position between the legacy Learjet 35A and the newer Learjet 45XR/75.

Charter cost - Learjet 40XR prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £2,000 to £2,600 - above the Learjet 35A and 31A, reflecting the 40XR's larger flat-floor cabin, enclosed aft lavatory, 51,000 ft ceiling and FAR Part 25 certification. For 5 to 7 passengers on short and medium European missions where a full enclosed lavatory, flat floor and the largest light-jet cabin are priorities, the Learjet 40XR provides a step up from the Learjet 35A at comparable rates.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Edinburgh - from £2,400 (6 passengers, approximately 50 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £2,500 (6 passengers, approximately 50 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £3,400 (6 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• London to Nice - from £4,200 (6 passengers, approximately 1 hour 35 minutes);
• London to Madrid - from £4,600 (6 passengers, approximately 1 hour 50 minutes);
• Edinburgh to Istanbul - from £10,400 (6 passengers, non-stop, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes);
• London to Dublin - from £2,400 (6 passengers, approximately 55 minutes).

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

Ideal routes for the Learjet 40XR

Best matched to short and medium European missions where 460 kt cruise, 363 ft³ flat-floor cabin with enclosed lavatory and 51,000 ft ceiling serve groups of 5 to 7:

• Short European day trips (50 to 100 minutes) where the enclosed lavatory and flat floor distinguish the 40XR from smaller Learjets. Paris, Geneva, Amsterdam, Brussels and Nice are all within 50 to 100 minutes at 460 kt. For clients who have experienced the curtained emergency lavatory of the Learjet 35A and want a proper enclosed facility, the 40XR provides it - with sink, belted seat and 15 ft³ wardrobe - at comparable charter rates. The flat floor and fold-out sidewall tables make the cabin a practical working environment on short sectors;
• Working meetings in the air where the club-four layout and flat floor provide genuine productivity space. Business Jet Traveler confirmed six slide/swivel reclining seats in a forward club-four plus two forward-facing arrangement. Fold-out tables deploy from sidewalls at every position. The 363 ft³ cabin - 20% larger than competitors - provides adequate space for four to six people to work simultaneously. The Honeywell Primus 1000 with Universal FMS and Primus 660 weather radar provides the crew with comprehensive situational awareness and route flexibility during working meetings;
• Longer European sectors (1.5 to 3.5 hours) to Marrakech, Istanbul, Athens and Egypt within 1,862 nm range. London to Marrakech (approximately 1,400 nm), Edinburgh to Istanbul (approximately 1,650 nm), London to Cairo (approximately 2,200 nm at lighter loads) and London to the Canaries (approximately 1,850 nm) are all within or approaching range. The 40XR's 177 nm range advantage over the base Learjet 40 and its hot-and-high engine performance provide the margin needed for lighter-payload longer sectors. The aft lavatory is appropriate for sectors up to 3.5 hours;
• Hot-and-high airport departures where the BR engine's balanced field length improvement matters. The TFE731-20BR engines specifically improve performance from high-elevation and hot-weather airports. For departures from Geneva (1,411 m elevation), Madrid or Middle East airports in summer conditions, the BR engines' shorter balanced field length provides an operational margin the base 40's AR engines cannot match. For charter clients who regularly use demanding departure airports in summer, the 40XR is the appropriate choice over the base Learjet 40;
• Groups of 5 to 6 where the Learjet 40XR's cabin superiority over the 35A is the selection argument. For clients who have flown the Learjet 35A (no lavatory, lower headroom at 1.31 m vs 1.50 m, smaller at 268 ft³ vs 363 ft³) and want a meaningful upgrade within the Learjet family at a 25 to 30% rate premium, the 40XR provides the clearest performance and comfort step up in the range. The 40XR's flat floor, enclosed lavatory and 363 ft³ volume are the three cabin advantages that matter most for groups of 5 to 6 on European sectors.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Learjet 40XR cabin measures 5.39 m (17.7 ft) long, 1.55 m (5.1 ft) wide and 1.50 m (4.9 ft) high - 363 ft³, flat floor throughout, with 5.1 ft width identical to the Learjet 45. Six slide/swivel reclining passenger seats are arranged in a forward club-four configuration plus two additional forward-facing seats. There is more legroom per seat than in the larger Learjet 45. Fold-out tables deploy from the cabin sidewalls at every position. Some aircraft have 12-inch forward and aft entertainment monitors. The aft lavatory is a full facility: sink, belted flushing potty and 15 ft³ wardrobe - a proper enclosed facility absent from the Learjet 35A.

Total baggage capacity is 65 ft³: 50 ft³ in the external aft compartment (ground-accessible) plus 15 ft³ in the aft wardrobe plus a forward coat closet in the refreshment centre. The Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics provide four DU870 EFIS displays, EICAS, TCAS 2000, Primus 660 colour weather radar, EGPWS with windshear alert and dual Primus II nav/comms. Universal UNS-1E FMS is standard. Delta Fins are visible on the lower rear fuselage. Sea-level cabin is maintained to 25,700 ft; maximum cabin altitude is 7,800 ft at the 51,000 ft ceiling.

• Cabin. 5.39 m x 1.55 m x 1.50 m; 363 ft³; flat floor; largest in light jet class;
• Layout. 6 slide/swivel reclining seats (club-4 + 2 fwd-facing); more legroom than Learjet 45;
• Tables. Fold-out from cabin sidewalls at all seat positions;
• Lavatory. Aft enclosed; sink; belted flushing potty; 15 ft³ wardrobe;
• Baggage. 65 ft³ total (50 ft³ external aft + 15 ft³ wardrobe + forward coat closet);
• Engines. 2 x Honeywell TFE731-20BR (3,500 lbf each; 5,000-hr TBO; 212-234 gph);
• Avionics. Honeywell Primus 1000 (4x DU870 EFIS; EICAS; TCAS 2000; Primus 660 radar; EGPWS; UNS-1E FMS);
• Pressurisation. Sea-level to 25,700 ft; 7,800 ft cabin at 51,000 ft ceiling.

Technical specifications

Learjet 40XR vs similar aircraft

• Learjet 40XR vs Learjet 35A. The Learjet 35A is the classic with tip tanks, no enclosed lavatory and a 268 ft³ cabin (vs 363 ft³ on the 40XR). The 40XR provides 95 ft³ more cabin volume (+36%), a proper enclosed aft lavatory, flat floor, stand-up headroom at 1.50 m (vs 1.31 m on the 35A), 50 ft³ external baggage (vs internal-only on the 35A) and the modern Primus 1000 avionics. Charter rates for the 40XR run approximately 25 to 35% above the 35A. For groups of 5 to 6 on sectors over 90 minutes where lavatory access is required, the 40XR is the clear upgrade; for groups on shorter sectors where rates are the priority, the 35A provides comparable speed at lower cost;
• Learjet 40XR vs Learjet 45XR. The Learjet 45XR is the direct 40XR sibling - 24.5 inches longer, two additional seats (8 vs 6 standard), 100 gal more fuel and a longer range. Charter rates for the 45XR run approximately 15 to 20% above the 40XR. The 40XR counters with lower rates, its confirmed greater legroom per seat versus the 45 despite the shorter cabin, and for groups of exactly 6 passengers a more intimate layout. For groups of 7 or 8, the 45XR's additional seats are required; for groups of 5 to 6, the 40XR provides comparable cabin quality at lower rates;
• Learjet 40XR vs Cessna Citation CJ3+. The Citation CJ3+ has modern Garmin G3000 avionics, single-pilot certification and strong Textron support. Charter rates are broadly comparable. The Learjet 40XR counters with 460 kt cruise (vs CJ3+'s approximately 416 kt), 51,000 ft ceiling (vs CJ3+'s 45,000 ft), the 363 ft³ flat-floor cabin (vs CJ3+'s approximately 5.5 ft width), enclosed aft lavatory, 65 ft³ baggage (vs CJ3+'s approximately 60 ft³) and FAR Part 25 certification. For speed and ceiling the 40XR is superior; for modern avionics and single-pilot availability the CJ3+ is preferable.

Frequently asked questions - Learjet 40XR charter

How much does it cost to charter a Learjet 40XR?
Charter rates run from approximately £2,000 to £2,600 per flight hour. London to Geneva costs from £3,400 for 6 passengers. London to Edinburgh costs from £2,400. Edinburgh to Istanbul costs from £10,400 non-stop. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

What is the relationship between the Learjet 40 and Learjet 45?
The Learjet 40 is derived from the Learjet 45 - not the other way around. Bombardier created the Learjet 40 by removing 24.5 inches (60 cm) from the Learjet 45's cabin, reducing seating from eight to six, and reducing fuel capacity by 100 gallons. The same clean-sheet winglet wing, fuselage cross-section, Delta Fins and FAR Part 25 certification framework were retained. The Learjet 40 replaced the Learjet 31A in the Learjet line, offering improved performance and a larger cabin than the 31A.

What is the difference between the Learjet 40 and the Learjet 40XR?
The primary difference is the engines: the Learjet 40 uses TFE731-20AR engines while the Learjet 40XR uses TFE731-20BR ("BR") engines. The BR configuration provides better hot-and-high performance, shorter balanced field length in high-temperature conditions, faster time-to-climb and better high-speed cruise. The XR also has 650 lb more MTOW. Business Jet Traveler confirmed the XR delivers 177 nm more range at sea-level airports. Many Learjet 40s have been converted to 40XR specification with the BR engine retrofit.

Does the Learjet 40XR have a lavatory?
Yes - the Learjet 40XR has a full aft enclosed lavatory with sink, belted flushing potty and 15 ft³ wardrobe. This is a meaningful upgrade over the Learjet 35A, which has no enclosed lavatory in standard configuration. The enclosed lavatory makes the 40XR suitable for sectors up to 3 to 3.5 hours without significant passenger discomfort.

How many passengers can fly on a Learjet 40XR?
Six in the standard configuration: four seats in a forward club layout and two additional forward-facing seats. A seventh can be accommodated in the belted lavatory seat. FlyCraft confirmed the typical configuration as "forward club four configuration with two forward-facing seats." All seats are slide/swivel reclining. The 363 ft³ cabin with more legroom per seat than the larger Learjet 45 provides genuine comfort for 5 to 6 passengers on sectors up to 3 hours.