After the problems with the Learjet 55, Bombardier had to rethink the aircraft completely. The answer was the Learjet 60, introduced in 1991 as a clean-sheet design rather than another update of the previous model.

It received a new wing, new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A engines and a larger mid-size cabin. The goal was simple: build a Learjet that could compete seriously in the mid-size business jet market.

The result was a much stronger aircraft. More than 400 Learjet 60s were delivered before production ended in 2012.

• It was a complete reset after the Learjet 55

Learjet did not simply stretch or modify the previous aircraft. The 60 was developed around a different idea, with new engines and a new wing designed for the mid-size category.

• The 60XR upgrade was mainly about modern avionics

The 60XR kept the same basic aircraft but improved the cockpit with Collins Pro Line 21 avionics and other updates. For many buyers today, that difference matters because avionics age faster than the airframe.

• Speed remains the reason people look at it

A buyer comparing aircraft in this category usually notices the Learjet 60’s cruise performance. It is not the largest cabin in its class, but it covers distance quickly.

Citation Excel for sale / The Cabin - Focused Alternative: Range: around 1,700 nm / Passengers: typically 7 - 9.
The Citation Excel is often compared with the Learjet 60 because it offers a comfortable cabin and straightforward operation. The Learjet is faster, while the Excel focuses more on cabin practicality and operating simplicity.

Hawker 800XP for sale / The Practical Mid-Size Choice: Range: about 2,500 nm depending on payload / Passengers: usually 8.
The Hawker 800XP provides a wider cabin feel and strong short-field capability. The Learjet 60 answers with higher cruise speed, which attracts owners with time-sensitive missions.

Challenger 604 for sale / The Larger Step Up: Range: around 4,000 nm / Passengers: typically 8 - 10.
The Challenger 604 brings a much larger cabin and more long-range capability, but it is a larger aircraft with different operating requirements.

1. The speed:
Few mid-size jets from this generation combine a practical cabin with this level of cruise performance.

2. A proven two-engine layout:
The Learjet 60 avoids the complexity of larger three-engine aircraft while still offering useful range and passenger capacity.

3. A familiar Learjet flying style:
Pilots and operators who like Learjet aircraft often appreciate the performance-focused design. The trade-off is that the cabin is smaller than some competing mid-size jets.

The Learjet 60/60XR is the aircraft that repaired Learjet’s position in the mid-size market. It took the lessons from the Learjet 55 and created a faster, more capable platform.

For a buyer who values speed, a comfortable seven- or eight-seat cabin and a proven mid-size design, it remains an aircraft worth investigating.

The next step is looking at the individual aircraft: maintenance records, engine status, avionics fit and the mission it needs to perform.

Looking for a Learjet 60/60XR for Sale?
Give us the mission first:

• 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.