Learjet 28 Buyer’s Guide
The Learjet 28, a Light Jet aircraft, offers impressive performance and ideal capacity for regional business flights. Designed to carry up to 8 passengers over a distance of 3700 km, this jet is powered by two Garrett TFE731-2 engines, ensuring a cruising speed of 740 km/h. Potential buyers include companies seeking an efficient private fleet and affluent individuals desiring fast and comfortable transportation.
To learn more about the Learjet 28, visit our dedicated page: Learjet 28. This guide will cover the market and budget, operating costs, the trade-off between buying and chartering, purchase options, owner reviews, and the steps to finalize the acquisition.
Learjet 28 Market and Budget
New and Used Price
| Condition | Low Range | High Range | Note |
|---|
| Used | 1.2M USD | 3.5M USD | Depends on condition and modifications |
The used Learjet 28 market reflects a wide range of prices, primarily influenced by the aircraft’s age, avionics upgrades, and total flight hours. Demand for these jets remains stable due to their reputation for reliability and performance.
Availability and Lead Times
Currently, there is a limited number of Learjet 28s in active service worldwide, which can affect transaction times for used aircraft. The acquisition of a new model is not possible as production has ceased, making the used market the only option.
Residual Value
| Reference | Value USD | Estimated Value n+3 | Estimated Value n+5 | Depreciation |
|---|
| New | N/A | N/A | N/A | ~45% over 5 years |
The residual value of the Learjet 28 is influenced by the overall business jet market, technological advancements, and demand for light jets. Depreciation over 5 years is estimated at approximately 45%, which is typical for this category.
Full Initial Budget
| Item | Estimated Amount | % of Purchase Price |
|---|
| Purchase Price | 2.35M USD | 100% |
| PPI Fees (0.5-1%) | 11,750 - 23,500 USD | 0.5-1% |
| Legal Fees | 10,000 USD | 0.43% |
| 1st Year Insurance | 20,000 USD | 0.85% |
| Modifications | 50,000 USD | 2.13% |
| Total | 2.46M - 2.54M USD | 104.91-108.41% |
Learjet 28 Operating Costs (OpEx)
Annual Fixed Costs
| Item | Annual Cost USD | Notes |
|---|
| Crew | 40,000 USD | 2 pilots and 1 flight attendant |
| Hangar | 15,000 USD | Based on a standard location |
| Hull Insurance | 10,000 USD | Includes standard coverage |
| JSSI/MSP Engine Contracts | 15,000 USD | To ensure preventive maintenance |
| Navigation Subscriptions | 5,000 USD | Navigation charts and updates |
| Total | 85,000 USD | |
Variable Costs per Hour
| Item | Cost/hour USD | Assumptions |
|---|
| Fuel | 342 USD | 380L/h at 0.9 USD/L |
| Scheduled Maintenance | 1,500 USD | Based on maintenance intervals |
| Airport/Navigation Fees | 1,200 USD | Average across different airports |
| Total Variable | 3,200 - 4,100 USD | |
Maintenance Deadlines
| Type | Hours Interval | Estimated Cost USD | Downtime Duration |
|---|
| Check A | 400h | 12,000 USD | 2-3 days |
| Check B | 1200h | 50,000 USD | 1-2 weeks |
| Check C | 2400h | 120,000 USD | 3-6 weeks |
| Engine TBO | 5000h | 200,000 USD | 4-6 weeks |
Maintenance programs such as JSSI, ESP, or MSP offer cost predictability and peace of mind by covering major maintenance expenses.
Annual Comparison by Usage Intensity
| Item | 150h/year | 300h/year | 500h/year |
|---|
| Fixed Costs | 85,000 USD | 85,000 USD | 85,000 USD |
| Fuel | 51,300 USD | 102,600 USD | 171,000 USD |
| Maintenance | 225,000 USD | 450,000 USD | 750,000 USD |
| Fees | 180,000 USD | 360,000 USD | 600,000 USD |
| Annual Total | 541,300 USD | 997,600 USD | 1.6M USD |
Buy or Charter a Learjet 28: Cost-Usage Trade-off
Initial Costs (Buy vs. Charter)
Buying a Learjet 28 requires significant upfront capital but offers flexibility of use and potential for appreciation. Chartering, at a variable cost of 4,700 EUR/h, can be more economical for usage below 350 hours per year.
5-Year Cost Scenarios
| Scenario | Hours/year | Total 5-year purchase cost | Total 5-year charter cost | Difference |
|---|
| 150h | 150 | 5.1M USD | 3.5M EUR | +1.6M USD |
| 300h | 300 | 9.8M USD | 7.0M EUR | +2.8M USD |
| 500h | 500 | 16.5M USD | 11.7M EUR | +4.8M USD |
Break-even Point
The break-even point is around 350 flight hours per year, where purchasing becomes more competitive than chartering. This is calculated by comparing the total operating costs over 5 years for each option.
For more details on chartering, visit our page: Charter a Learjet 28.
Where to Buy a Learjet 28
Buying through a broker can offer additional security through their expertise and network, while a direct purchase can reduce transaction fees. However, rigorous due diligence, including a pre-purchase inspection (PPI), is essential in both cases.
Specialized Brokers vs. Direct Purchase
Opting for a broker offers the advantage of expert support, reducing the risk of buying an aircraft with hidden defects. Conversely, direct purchase can be more economical but requires in-depth market knowledge.
Learjet 28 Owner Reviews
“The Learjet 28 is an exceptional aircraft in terms of speed and maneuverability. With sufficient range to cover most regional needs, it remains a popular choice among pilots. Its fuel consumption is competitive, making it an economical option in its category.”
— Airline Pilot, Europe
“Owning a Learjet 28 has significantly reduced my travel time. The spacious interior and reliable performance make it a wise investment for any company looking to optimize its travel.”
— CEO, North America
These testimonials highlight the efficiency and reliability of the Learjet 28, making it attractive to regular users. For more reviews, visit: Read all Learjet 28 reviews.
Finalizing the Learjet 28 Acquisition
Key Acquisition Steps
- Pre-sale agreement
- Pre-purchase inspection (PPI)
- Legal and tax due diligence
- Registration (N-number, F-XXXX, etc.)
- Insurance transfer
Registration can influence resale value and operational flexibility. Registries in the USA, Cayman Islands, Malta, or France offer various advantages, ranging from taxation to operational access.
Financing
Financing options for a Learjet 28 include aviation bank loans, operational leasing solutions, and finance leases. Rates vary from 4 to 7% depending on the buyer’s profile, with terms generally between 5 and 10 years.
| Financing Method | Required Down Payment | Indicative Rate | Term |
|---|
| Aviation Bank Loan | 20-30% | 4-7% | 5-10 years |
| Operational Leasing | 0-10% | 5-8% | 3-7 years |
| Finance Lease | 15-25% | 6-9% | 5-12 years |
