BOMBARDIER LEARJET 55

• Passengers 7

Despite its age, the Learjet 55 "Longhorn" remains a speedy, comfortable and efficient short-haul charter option.

About this aircraft

• The Learjet 55, a low-wing cantilever business jet, made its first flight in 1979 and was introduced to the market in 1981.
• The Learjet 55 can connect European cities like London and Milan and complete shorter-haul journeys such as New York to Miami in the United States.
• The cabin of a Learjet 55 typically accommodates seven passengers, with an extra seat in the enclosed lavatory if needed.
• The hold has space for around six suitcases.
• Nearly 150 jets were delivered until production of the Learjet 55 ceased in 1993.

The Bombardier Learjet 55 combines successful elements of predecessors with design modifications like a larger fuselage and stand-up cabin.

Interior design

The cabin of a Bombardier Learjet 55 is usually configured for seven or eight passengers, but can be arranged to seat 10 people in a high-density layout.

A typical seven-seat layout features a four-seat club arrangement, with a side-facing divan and an extra seat in the rear.

Below is a standard configuration found onboard the Bombardier Learjet 55.

Interesting facts to learn before you fly

• The Learjet 55 was later developed into the B Model, which boasted greater range and a multi-tube EFIS cockpit. In 1987, the 55B design evolved into the Learjet 55C, with delta fins for stability and improved runway performance.
• The aircraft needs just 2,800 feet of runway to land when carrying four passengers.

Technological features

The Bombardier Learjet 55 is powered by two Honeywell TFE731-3A-2B turbofan engines with 3,700 pounds of thrust.

Inside, the avionics systems includes a King 90A GPS, Collins ADF 60, dual Collins VHF20A communication radios, dual VIR30A navigation radios, Collins colour weather radar, dual Collins TDR90 transponders, Global flight management system (FMS) GNS/XLS, DME40 distance measuring equipment, and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS).

History

The Learjet 55’s wing design and engines drew on the Learjet 20 and Learjet 30 series. The first prototype flew in 1979 and received FAA certification in 1981. At the time, the aircraft’s cabin was the largest of all the Learjet models.

Over 100 aircraft were built until production ceased in 1986. Bombardier continued delivering variations like the 55B and 55C until 1993.

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 variables, a Bombardier Learjet 55 costs from $4 million (USD).

Charter rates

Charter rates for the Bombardier Learjet 55 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 55 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.