Frequently asked questions
Learjet 31A: what is it and what to check before buying?
The Learjet 31A is a light jet by Bombardier (the US), built from 1991 to 2003. It seats 7, with 2,735 km range, a 828 km/h cruise and two Honeywell TFE731-2 engines. When buying, high fuel burn and short legs — model the hourly cost. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does a Learjet 31A cost: purchase and upkeep?
For the Learjet 31A: a used-market price of $1.2M. At 300–400 h/year, running cost is about $1.2M/yr, or $3,125/h. The final figure depends on year, hours and condition. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What is Bombardier known for and which families does it build?
Canada's Bombardier is one of the 'big three' business-jet makers. Two current families: Challenger (the 3500 in super-midsize, the 650 in large) and the flagship Global 5500/6500/7500/8000 line with up to 14,800 km of range. Signature traits are wide cabins (the Challenger 3500 has the widest in class, 2.19 m) and the Smooth Flĕx wing on the Global 7500. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How reliable are the Challenger and Global and what about service?
The Challenger 604/605/650 is one of the most numerous large jets: over 1,100 built, with fleet dispatch reliability above 99.7%. Bombardier is actively expanding its own service network — major centres in London, Paris, Singapore and Dubai cover the CIS and Central Asia. The GE CF34 engines on the Challenger are serviced under the fixed-rate OnPoint programme. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How well does Bombardier hold value on the pre-owned market?
The Challenger 650 is the liquidity champion in the large class: five-year-old aircraft sell for $22–26M against a $33M list, with exposure rarely over 90 days. The Global 7500, with a waiting list for new jets, sells pre-owned at almost no discount — $60–70M. Early Global Express XRS hold value less well ($10–15M), where costly maintenance checks await the buyer. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which Bombardier should you choose for a specific task?
For 3–5-hour routes (Geneva–Istanbul, London–Dubai) the Challenger 3500 is optimal — 10 seats and 6,300 km. The Challenger 650 adds space and takes 12 passengers over 7,400 km. Intercontinental tasks are Global territory: the 6500 covers 12,200 km, and the 7500 links Europe with North America nonstop — 14,260 km with a four-zone cabin. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What routes and tasks suit light jets?
The light jet is the most in-demand class of business aviation for 2–4-hour legs: Geneva–Dubai, London–Athens, Vienna–London. A range of 3,700–4,000 km covers 80% of real business routes across Europe, the Middle East and the CIS. The class keeps access to short strips from 1,200 m and a reasonable hourly price — the sweet spot between VLJ and midsize. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How many passengers and how much baggage does a light jet take?
The typical layout is 6–8 seats, the maximum up to 10 (Phenom 300E). A comfortable long-leg load is 4–6 people. Holds take 0.9–1.9 m³: 6–8 suitcases plus hand luggage, and the CJ4 and Phenom 300 fit skis and golf bags. A full cabin and full tanks are not available at once — with eight passengers, range falls by about a quarter. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does a light jet differ from neighbouring classes?
From a VLJ it is set apart by an extra 1,000–1,500 km of range, a full lavatory and a hold twice as large; from a midsize by price: an hour is $1,500–2,500 cheaper, but the cabin is lower (no standing) and there is no separate crew area. The choice: 2–4 hours for four — light; 5+ hours, 8+ people or a stand-up cabin needed — midsize. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which light jets are in the fleet and how do they differ?
Ten models to choose from: the best-selling Embraer Phenom 300E (up to 10 seats, 3,720 km), the Cessna CJ2+/CJ3/CJ4 family with best-in-class economics, the fast Learjet 40XR/45XR/70/75 cruising up to 860 km/h, the remanufactured Nextant 400XTi — jet speed at a turboprop price — and the Beechcraft Premier IA with a composite fuselage and the widest cabin in class. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How do you choose an aircraft to buy for your needs?
Start from two numbers: the length of your typical route and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 people — a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km — a midsize jet; nonstop intercontinental — a long-range jet. Then adjust for short runways, baggage volume and sleeping berths. We'll match a model to your profile and calculate the ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
New aircraft or pre-owned — which is the better buy?
A new aircraft means a factory warranty and a 1–3-year queue, but the price is at its peak. A pre-owned aircraft means immediate delivery and a price 30–60% lower, while engine time and history matter. For most buyers a fresh 3–7-year-old aircraft is optimal: the main depreciation has happened and plenty of life remains. We cost both options. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
