Learjet 35

Fuel tanks on the wingtips make the Learjet 35 easy to spot and give this light jet more range than many newer aircraft of its size. Two Honeywell (formerly Garrett) TFE731 turbofans take it to 870 km/h. Learjet built 738 aircraft of the 35 and 36 series, and most of those still flying are the 35A, with a higher take-off weight.

From Zurich the jet reaches Cannes in 1:04 h, and with our planning limit of 3,000 km it flies non-stop from Hamburg to Lisbon or from London to Tenerife. The weak point is the cabin, 1.32 m high and without an enclosed toilet, so legs over three hours suit four passengers better than six.

Learjet 35 cabin: six seats and no enclosed toilet

The cabin measures 3.94 m in length, 1.32 m in height and 1.50 m in width. The usual layout has four club seats, a divan across the rear and a side seat opposite the door. Seated, adults travel in comfort, but the aisle is narrow and nobody stands upright.

Baggage: 1.13 m³ inside the cabin

The Learjet 35 carries bags behind the rear divan, in about 1.13 m³ of pressurised space. They can be reached in flight by folding the divan backrest, so whoever sits there has to move.

• Four passengers: one cabin-size case and one soft bag each.
• Six passengers: soft bags only.
• Skis and golf bags: give their number and length with the request.

Speed, range and runways

With a full cabin and IFR reserves, the Learjet 35 covers about 3,574 km according to the manufacturer. We plan non-stop legs up to 3,000 km, since westbound headwinds and distant alternate airports cut the real range.

In standard conditions the aircraft needs less than 1,524 m of runway:

• Cannes-Mandelieu (1,539 m) is within reach, but on hot days the operator may limit the weight.
• Sion (2,000 m) and Samedan take a crew trained for mountain approaches, and at Samedan, about 1,700 m above sea level, the load may be cut.
• Lugano (1,414 m), Saint-Tropez La Môle (1,071 m) and the Courchevel altiport are too short: the alternatives are Milan, Cannes-Mandelieu and Chambéry.

Flying an old jet in Europe

Learjet 35 flights from European hubs

The table gives one-way prices for the whole aircraft with crew. Flight time is the great-circle distance at 790 km/h plus half an hour for taxi, climb and approach.

Up to two hours: Alps, Riviera and islands

Two to four hours: where the tip tanks pay off

Over four hours: at the limit of the range

• Madrid to Tenerife (2:49 h) and Hamburg to Lisbon (3:17 h) are flown non-stop with a full cabin.
• London to Tenerife (4:10 h) is the limit: with a strong headwind the operator may plan a fuel stop.
• Zurich to Madeira (3:54 h) needs a captain qualified for that airport, which narrows the choice further.
• Mykonos gives private aircraft about 40 minutes of parking in summer, so the jet waits elsewhere.
• London to Larnaca, about 3,300 km, needs a fuel stop or a jet with more range.

Beyond three hours, five or more passengers are better off in a midsize jet with a proper toilet than in a Learjet 35.

The calculator shows an indicative price for this model or a light jet of the same class on your route.

What a Learjet 35 charter costs

The rate starts at EUR 3,200 per flight hour for the whole aircraft, with two pilots and fuel. A short leg costs much more than the rate times the flight time: Paris Le Bourget to Geneva takes 1:01 h and starts at EUR 8,500, because the price also covers the operator's minimum charge and the aircraft's flights to and from its base.

On longer legs these fixed costs weigh less. A Learjet 35 from Hamburg to Lisbon (3:17 h) starts at EUR 16,000, and London Farnborough to Tenerife (4:10 h) at EUR 18,500.

The price is for the aircraft, so the share per person on London Farnborough - Nice falls with every passenger:

How to fly cheaper

• Return the same day if the crew's duty time allows: no hotel and no second positioning.
• Choose the aircraft based closest to your departure airport, even at a higher hourly rate.
• Give a time window, so the operator can link your flight with another trip.
• For a return after several days, compare two one-way quotes with a quote where the jet waits for you.
• Accept a modern light jet of the same size instead of a Learjet 35, often easier to find nearby.

Empty Legs on this type

Empty Legs on the Learjet 35 are rare, as few aircraft fly passenger trips in Europe; most appear in summer between business cities and the Mediterranean. Such a leg can cost 30-60% less than a regular charter, but the date and route are fixed and the operator may cancel it if the aircraft gets a full charter.

Send your route and a window of dates to empty-legs@jets.flights or through the Empty Legs page, and we include other light jets in the search.

Newer jets to consider instead

For a fast trip of up to four hours we compare the Learjet 35 most often with these aircraft.

How to request the aircraft

For a quote we need:

• route, date and departure time;
• number of passengers and baggage, including skis or golf bags;
• pets travelling with you, with breed and weight;
• if you accept another aircraft of the same size.

We look for a free Learjet 35 with operators holding an AOC and add newer jets of its size. We always try to give both options, but each case depends on the operator's schedule and contract. Within Schengen there is no passport control, yet the operator needs passport or ID details of every passenger; EU citizens flying to the UK need an ETA.

Questions about the Learjet 35

• • How much does a Learjet 35 flight cost?

  • From EUR 3,200 per flight hour for the whole aircraft. London Farnborough to Nice costs from EUR 11,000 and Larnaca to Geneva from EUR 17,500 one way, before airport fees and passenger taxes.

• • What makes up the price?

  • Flight time, positioning from the aircraft's base, the crew's hotel on overnight trips, airport fees, passenger taxes, catering and, in winter, de-icing.

• • How can I pay less?

  • Return the same day and let us also quote the nearest free light jet: on a short leg positioning often costs more than the difference in hourly rates.

• • Are there Empty Legs on the Learjet 35?

  • Rarely. If one matches your route it can be 30-60% cheaper, but the date is fixed and the leg can be cancelled, so we also check other light jets.

• • How many passengers fit in a Learjet 35?

  • Usually six, eight at most. On legs over two hours four people travel in comfort.

• • Is there a toilet?

  • Only a small unit under the side seat behind a curtain, often out of service. If it matters, choose the Learjet 60 or the Citation CJ3.

• • How far can it fly without a stop?

  • We plan non-stop legs up to 3,000 km, such as London to Tenerife in 4:10 h, while London to Larnaca needs a fuel stop.

• • Can I bring my dog?

  • Yes, in the cabin next to you once the operator knows the breed, weight and carrier. The EU requires a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel and a pet passport; the UK, Ireland, Malta, Finland and Norway also require tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before entry.

• • Can it land at Sion, Samedan or Courchevel?

  • Sion and Samedan yes, with a crew trained for mountain approaches and, at Samedan, a possible weight limit. The Courchevel altiport is too short, so the jet lands at Chambéry or Geneva.