The Learjet 35 first flew on August 22, 1973. The idea behind it was fairly simple: take the Learjet formula, add Garrett TFE731 turbofans, stretch the fuselage and build a jet with substantially better range and lower noise than the turbojet-powered Learjets that came before it. The production 35 followed that path into a new generation of Learjets.

The engine choice changed the character of the airplane. The prototype that led to the 35 began as a Learjet 25 test aircraft with a Garrett fan engine, and the result was good enough for Learjet to develop a new model around it rather than simply sell another 25 variant.

The 35A arrived in 1976 with TFE731-2-2B engines and became the main production version. More than 600 35As were built before production ended in the early 1990s; the 35/36 family continued until 1994.

Speed is still the first thing you notice when you look at the numbers.

The 35A's normal cruise is published around 436 knots, with maximum speed around 470 knots. Service ceiling is 45,000 ft.

That performance came from a very particular design. Two TFE731 engines sit at the rear of the fuselage, while the familiar Learjet wing carries its characteristic tip tanks. The cabin remained compact, but the airplane could move a small group quickly at high altitude.

It is a small cabin. Four feet four inches of height and roughly 4 feet 11 inches of width are typical published figures for the 35A, with cabin length around 12 feet 11 inches.

That matters when comparing it with newer light and midsize jets. You are buying the Learjet performance philosophy first; cabin volume comes later.

• The 35 and 36 were built around the same basic idea.

The difference was fuel and cabin layout. The Learjet 36 sacrificed the rear bench for an auxiliary fuel tank, gaining additional range. Only a small number of 36s were delivered compared with the 35.

• The engine was the big change.

The TFE731 was quieter and more fuel-efficient than the turbojets used on earlier Learjets, which helped turn the 35 into a practical long-range light jet rather than simply another fast Learjet.

• Do not buy the model name. Buy the individual airplane.

A Learjet 35A can have very different avionics and equipment depending on its history. FAA records show approved upgrades for the 35/35A family including Garmin GTN 750 installations, ADS-B-related equipment and weather-radar modifications. Existing aircraft on the market can also carry older Collins and Universal avionics.
That is why two apparently similar 35As can be very different acquisition propositions.

Cessna Citation V for sale / Range: roughly 1,900–2,000 nm / Passengers: typically 7-8.
A strong alternative when cabin space matters. The Citation V gives passengers more room, while the 35A has the stronger performance character.

Cessna Citation Ultra for sale / Range: around 1,500–1,600 nm / Passengers: typically 7-8.
A sensible choice for regional missions where cabin usability and operating simplicity matter more than maximum speed.

Beechjet 400A for sale / Range: around 1,600 nm / Passengers: up to 7.
A compact business jet with a slightly more usable cabin. Worth comparing if outright speed is not the main requirement.

Hawker 800XP for sale / Range: around 2,400 nm / Passengers: typically 8-9.
A much larger cabin and longer-range option. It is the better fit when passenger comfort becomes more important than the Learjet's compact size.

Cessna Citation Excel for sale / Range: around 1,800 nm / Passengers: typically 8.
The Excel gives you substantially more cabin space while staying close to the Learjet's general mission. A strong alternative for owners carrying passengers regularly.

Cessna Citation XLS / XLS+ for sale / Range: roughly 1,900 nm / Passengers: typically 8.
More cabin and a newer-generation platform make the XLS attractive for frequent business travel. The 35A remains the more performance-focused choice.

Learjet 45 for sale / Range: around 1,700–2,100 nm / Passengers: typically 8-9.
One of the most logical upgrades for someone who likes Learjets but wants a newer design and a much larger cabin.

Learjet 55 for sale / Range: roughly 2,300 nm / Passengers: typically 7-8,
Keeps the Learjet character while adding cabin volume and range. It is worth considering when the 35A starts to feel too small.

Learjet 60 for sale / Range: around 2,400–2,600 nm / Passengers: typically 6-8.
A natural step up within the Learjet family. The 60 becomes attractive when longer trips and additional cabin space justify the larger aircraft.

Hawker 850XP for sale / Range: roughly 2,600–2,700 nm / Passengers: typically 8.
Slower than the 35A, but considerably more comfortable inside and better suited to longer passenger missions.

Gulfstream G150 for sale / Range: around 3,000 nm / Passengers: typically 7-8.
A clear step up in range and capability. It is relevant when the 35A's fuel and payload limitations begin to affect the mission.

Embraer Phenom 300 for sale / Range: around 1,800–2,000 nm / Passengers: typically 6-7.
A modern light jet with newer engines, avionics and cabin design. The 35A competes mainly through acquisition value and its distinctive high-speed profile.

The Learjet 35A is still a serious performance airplane, but it is now an acquisition of an older airframe rather than a simple purchase of a model.

Its strongest case is straightforward: a small number of passengers, relatively fast trips, high-altitude capability and an owner who understands that maintenance and avionics condition can change the economics substantially.

If the mission is six passengers and roughly 1,500 - 2,000 nm, I would investigate the specific aircraft with its engine status, inspection history and avionics list in hand.

Looking for a Learjet 35 for Sale?
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• How many passengers?
• Which routes?
• How much range do you need?
• What year or configuration do you prefer?
• What are your requirements for engines, maintenance and avionics?
• Where will the aircraft be registered and operated?

We will search the open market and our off-market network and come back with aircraft that fit the requirement.