Where it fits well
- 436 kt cruise supports fast regional travel.
- 1534 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 1028 nm with 4 occupants.
- 540 kg realistic payload proxy and 8 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Key figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 8 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 540 kg |
| Advertised range | 1534 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 1028 nm |
| Cruise speed | 436 kt |
| Runway need | ~1300 m |
| Pressurised | Yes |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €180k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €3280 |
The ownership trade-off
The Learjet 40 combines 8-seat jet capability with about 1,534 NM reported range and about 436 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
Cost picture at different usage
- 40 hours/year: about €419k per year ( €10480 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €550k per year ( €6880 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €682k per year ( €5680 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €878k per year ( €4880 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €487k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself — price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.
Limitations to price honestly
- The Learjet 40 combines 8-seat jet capability with about 1,534 NM reported range and about 436 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €180k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
- Approximate 1300 m take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.
Recommended missions
- Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
- Longer regional missions, with reserves and payload reducing brochure range.
- Time-sensitive business travel where dispatch reliability justifies the cost.