BOMBARDIER
LEARJET 40

Many will instantly think the Learjet 40 is the ultimate go-to aircraft, used by everyone who travels privately, but here is a little more about it. Firstly, this is the smallest, most modern and iconic Learjet in service (there are slight variants, but somewhat rarely available for commercial use). Able to carry up to 6 passengers, the design is based around its larger, longer brothers, the Learjet 45 and later 75 series.

 

The cabin comes with a fully flat floor, a small forward refreshment centre and enclosed rear lavatory as standard. 

 

The aircraft also has impressive cruising speeds and climb rates. One thing we noticed especially was its rapid acceleration on take-off, pushing you back into your seat much more than other models we have experienced. However this agility and acceleration does come with the highest advertised fuel burns of any Light Jet, and that can be reflected in the charter prices offered. Unfortunately, at no fault of the manufacturer Bombardier, this aircraft, being a straight 6 seat model, may also incur an additional 20% VAT for internal flights (whereas the Learjet 45 and 75 series is currently exempt).

 

It’s a nice looking aircraft and the cabin is proportioned well, but it may also be worth considering the longer 8 seat Learjet 75 series, or alternative models such as the Phenom 300, Citation XLS or Citation CJ Series.