Light Jet Charter
An ultra-fast light jet, built for time-sensitive trips.
Why Charter This Aircraft
A great choice for time-sensitive regional trips.
Cruise altitudes unheard of in light jets at the time.
Raisbeck aft fuselage locker quadruples capacity.
A classic performer with solid reliability.
Development & Background
Back in the 1960s, Bill Lear, founder of Learjet, wanted to create a small, fast, and simple business jet. The Learjet 31/31A, introduced in 1988, blended the fuselage of the Learjet 35/36 with the high-performance wing of the Learjet 28/29 — earning a reputation as a "pilot's airplane" for its crisp handling, easy control, and cruise speeds at 51,000 ft unheard of in light jets at the time.
One early drawback was limited internal luggage space (30 cu ft), which Raisbeck addressed with an aft fuselage locker that quadrupled baggage capacity. Bill Lear also equipped the aircraft with electric windshield de-icing, a Bendix/King avionics suite, FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), two-zone climate control, and increased allowable takeoff and landing weights. Over more than 35 years, over 262 Learjet 31/31A units were built, many still flying charter or medevac missions today.
"We flew the Learjet 31/31A for a last-minute client meeting from Dallas to Chicago. It was fast, efficient, and surprisingly comfortable. The turnaround was seamless."
"The Lear 31A climbs like a rocket and cruises efficiently at higher altitudes, allowing us to avoid weather and optimize fuel burn. It's a classic performer with solid reliability."
Specifications
| Passenger Capacity | 6–7 passengers |
| Range | 1,540 nm (2,852 km) |
| Max Cruise Speed | 515 mph (447 KTAS; Mach 0.81) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 430 KTAS (797 km/h) |
| Takeoff Distance (MTOW, SL, ISA) | 3,490 ft (1,064 m) |
| Landing Distance | 4,180 ft (1,274 m) |
| Max Operating Altitude | 51,000 ft |
| Cabin Dimensions | 12.9 ft × 4.9 ft × 4.3 ft |
| Baggage Capacity | 40 cu ft |
| MTOW | 15,300 lb (6,940 kg) |
Cabin & Interior Experience
Executive-style club seating for 6 passengers comes with overhead storage for personal items. Fold-out tables handle work or dining, and cabin pressurization allows high-altitude cruise without sacrificing comfort.
Capabilities & Performance
The Learjet 31/31A is equipped with two Honeywell TFE731-2-4-B turbofan engines producing 3,500 lbs of thrust, delivering a range of 1,540 nm at a max speed of 456 knots. It climbs to 40,000 ft in roughly 11 minutes, with a service ceiling of 51,000 ft.
Pilots use the Collins Pro Line 4 suite with dual FMS and autopilot, TCAS II, and EGPWS. As a 2-pilot operation, first officers are typically hired around 850 total flight hours, with captains around 3,000.
Charter Pricing
| Pre-Owned Price | $800,000 – $1,500,000 |
| Annual Operating Cost (300 hrs/yr) | $800,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Charter Rate | $4,500 – $5,500/hr |
Estimates only — actual pricing varies by operator availability, seasonality, and routing. Request a quote for an exact rate.
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