BOMBARDIER LEARJET 40

• Passengers 6

Combining high cruise speeds, a spacious cabin and modern technology, the Bombardier Learjet 40 is a leading contender in the light jet market.

About this aircraft

• The Learjet 40 was first produced in 2002 and delivered in 2004. The upgraded 40XR entered the market in 2005.
• The Learjet 40’s interior typically accommodates six passengers, with a seventh seat in the enclosed lavatory if required.
• It has a generous baggage hold for an aircraft of its size, with space for around six suitcases.
• The Learjet 40 can fly non-stop from New York to Miami, London to Ibiza, Chicago to Salt Lake City and Singapore to Hong Kong.
• Production of the Bombardier Learjet 40 ceased in 2009, with the Learjet 40XR continuing until 2012.

The Bombardier Learjet 40 was inspired by the Learjet 45, with a shorter fuselage and smaller fuel tank than its predecessor. Despite this, the 40 has a comparatively large cabin for a light jet and impressive range-to-payload flexibility.

Interior design

The Bombardier Learjet 40’s spacious interior feels more like that of a midsize jet. A typical layout features six slide/swivel reclining passenger seats in a forward club-four configuration, followed by two forward-facing seats.

The Learjet 40 has a smaller cabin than the eight-seat Learjet 45, but passengers on the 40 enjoy slightly more legroom. Fold-out tables deploy from the cabin sidewalls and there’s a large lavatory with sink and a 15ft3 wardrobe in the aft. Some aircraft also have entertainment monitors in the front and rear of the cabin.

Below is a standard configuration found onboard the Bombardier Learjet 40.

Interesting facts to learn before you fly

• The Learjet 40’s cruise speed is around 83 km/h faster than the Cessna Citation Encore and its range is about 370 km longer.
• The upgraded Learjet 40XR entered the market shortly after the 40 with more powerful engines, a longer range and an increased takeoff weight. Many 40s have since been converted to 40XRs.

Technological features

The Learjet 40 is powered by two Honeywell TFE 731-20AR engines with 3,500 pounds of thrust. The aircraft meets the FAA’s rigorous Part 25 safety requirements, as well as FAR-36 noise levels (74.4 EPNdB on takeoff).

Inside, the Learjet 40’s avionics include Honeywell's Primus 1000, as well as a Universal UNS-1E flight management system with an embedded GPS receiver.

History

The Learjet 40 succeeded the Learjet 45 and addressed the shortcomings of the earlier Learjet 31A, featuring a fuselage two feet shorter and a fuel tank holding 100 gallons less than its predecessor but a larger cabin than most competitors. The Learjet 40 made its first flight in 2002 and entered the market in January 2004.

The upgraded Learjet 45XR followed a year later with modified Honeywell TFE731-20BR engines, resulting in improved time to climb, high-speed cruise and balanced field length at higher temperatures. The 40XR also has a 217-kilometre longer range than the 40 and a higher takeoff weight of 650 lbs. Many 40s were subsequently converted into 40XRs.

Production of the Learjet 40 ceased in 2009.

Manufacturer

Bombardier Aviation (formerly Bombardier Aerospace) manufactures business, commercial and specialised aircraft. The company began with the acquisition of several established aviation companies, starting with Canadair in 1986 and followed by Short Brothers in 1989, Learjet in 1990 and Boeing subsidiary De Havilland Aircraft of Canada in 1992.

Following commercial aviation partnerships with Chinese state-owned manufacturer Comac and multinational aerospace corporation Airbus, Bombardier eventually sold de Havilland and its aerostructures division to focus solely on business aircraft.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, today Bombardier has over 60,000 employees and is a leading global manufacturer of aircraft and trains with sites in 25 countries.

Cost

Depending on a range of factors, a Learjet 40 can cost between $2 and $3 million (USD).

Charter rates

Charter rates for the Bombardier Learjet 40 can vary greatly depending on the length of the journey you have planned, as well as the airports you decide to fly in and out of.

Wet lease rates

ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) wet lease rates for the Bombardier Learjet 40 can vary depending on the age of the aircraft, length of the lease term, the number of block hours being guaranteed and the average cycle ratio.