The True Operating Cost of Bombardier Learjet 45
The Bombardier Learjet 45 is a proven midsize business jet offering six-seat executive configuration, intercontinental range (3,500+ nm), and 51,000-foot altitude capability. Plan for $160,000–$195,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,600–$1,950 per hour. The Learjet 45 dominates the midsize market with legendary speed, reliability, and charter availability. Perfect for corporations, charter operators, and demanding business travelers.
Quick Specs: Bombardier Learjet 45XR
| Specification | Learjet 45XR |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × Honeywell TFE731-2 (3,500 lbf thrust each) |
| Fuel Burn | 185–225 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 460–490 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 4,200–4,500 lbs |
| Seats | 6–8 (executive to high-density) |
| Range | 3,000–3,500 nm |
TL;DR: Bombardier Learjet 45 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $62,000–$78,000/year (insurance $12,000–$18,000, hangar $12,000–$15,000, annuals $8,000–$12,000, crew training)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $98,000–$117,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $160,000–$195,000/year (~$1,600–$1,950/hour)
- Finance a $4,000,000 Learjet 45: Add $59,000/month ($708,000/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$131,000–$155,500/year (~$2,620–$3,110/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$260,000–$312,000/year (~$1,300–$1,560/hour)
Midsize Jet Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $12,000–$18,000/year for $5,000,000–$6,000,000 hull
- Hangar: $12,000–$15,000/year (jet-sized heated facility required)
- Annual inspection: $8,000–$12,000 labor (jet complexity)
- Type rating/crew training: $3,000–$5,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 205 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$1,127/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $12–$18/hour
- Engine reserves: $20–$26/hour ($55K per engine ÷ 5,000 TBO × 2)
- APU maintenance: $15–$20/hour
- Avionics/systems: $60–$80/hour (glass cockpit, pressurization)
- Landing fees (jet): $100–$300/landing
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost Breakdown
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 10,250 | $56,375 | $1,127 |
| 100 | 20,500 | $112,750 | $1,127 |
| 150 | 30,750 | $169,125 | $1,127 |
| 200 | 41,000 | $225,500 | $1,127 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Honeywell TFE731 Engines
- TFE731-2: 5,000 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $55,000–$70,000 per engine
- Combined reserve: $125,000 ÷ 5,000 = $25/hour
- Reliability: Industry-proven with excellent support
Jet-Specific Maintenance
- APU maintenance: $5,000–$8,000/year
- Air conditioning service: $3,000–$5,000/year
- Avionics software updates: $2,000–$4,000/year
- Pressurization and air management: $3,000–$5,000/year
- Budget: $80–$110/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Jet Insurance Premiums
- $5,000,000 hull, 500+ hours, jet-rated: $12,000–$15,000/year
- $5,500,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $16,000–$20,000/year
- Charter operation: +75–100% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Jet Hangar (Heated) | $1,000–$1,250 | $12,000–$15,000 |
| Tie-Down (Not recommended) | $400–$600 | $4,800–$7,200 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $70,000 | $95,000 | $165,000 | $3,300 |
| 100 | $70,000 | $190,000 | $260,000 | $2,600 |
| 200 | $70,000 | $380,000 | $450,000 | $2,250 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $4,000,000 Learjet 45, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $708,000/year debt service.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $260,000 | $708,000 | $968,000 | $9,680 |
| 200 | $450,000 | $708,000 | $1,158,000 | $5,790 |
Financing the Bombardier Learjet 45
- Purchase price: $3,000,000–$5,500,000 (depends on year, avionics, hours)
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $2,800,000–$4,500,000
- Term: 10–15 years (longer for business jets)
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $40,000–$70,000
Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, commercial/ATP rated, $500,000+ annual income, comprehensive business plan, hull insurance $5M+. Lenders like JakenAviation specialize in midsize jet financing for corporations and charter operators.
Learjet 45 vs. Competitors
- vs. Citation X: Citation X costs 30–40% more; faster, more prestigious, better altitude
- vs. Hawker 900XP: Similar price; Hawker larger cabin, longer range
- vs. Gulfstream G150: G150 costs 20–30% more; longer range, larger cabin
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Sources: Bombardier Learjet Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS