Private Jet Comparison: Learjet 60XR V Hawker 900XP

Mid-Size Private Jet Comparison: Learjet 60XR Vs Hawker 900XP

Due to their range and passenger capacity, midsize jets provide some of the most popular options for private jet charters.

Jets such as the Learjet 60XR and the Hawker 900XP are two of the finest examples available, offering convenience and comfort to business travellers and discerning holidaymakers alike.

Here, we take a deeper look at both and investigate what makes them the “go-to” midsize jet for private jet charters worldwide.

BOMBARDIER LEARJET 60XR

Offering high performance, exceptional comfort, very good range, and space for 7 passengers, the Learjet 60XR is extremely popular for private jet charter. The first Learjet 60XR’s were delivered to customers in 2007 and have proved a firm favourite amongst the world’s finest operators ever since.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A, each providing 4,600 lbs each of thrust while using a combined 204 gallons of fuel per hour, the Learjet 60XR can fly nonstop from London to anywhere in Europe, or on key routes in the USA, such as New York to Dallas, and Chicago to Los Angeles.

Capable of achieving Mach 0.81 with a flight ceiling of 51,000ft, the Learjet 60XR is one of the fastest aircraft in its class; its flight ceiling of 51,000ft means it can fly at higher altitudes than most of its competitors, resulting in the ability to avoid air traffic and turbulence. These abilities do not come at the cost of fuel efficiency, which is also among the best in its class.

The Learjet 60XR uses the ProLine 21, a fully integrated avionics system that is lighter and has a 75% larger display area than the original Learjet 60. This enables its pilot to operate the aircraft more easily and efficiently for maximum safety and flight comfort.

The Inside Story

The Learjet 60XR has one of Learjet’s largest cabins, which can be configured to accommodate six or seven passengers, providing great comfort for all.

For six passengers, club seating for four and two forward-facing rear seats offers a great layout for both business and leisure flights. Seven passengers can enjoy the club seating along with either a two-seat divan at the front and an adjacent forward-facing seat or a three-seat divan facing the entrance and galley.

In either configuration, the Learjet 60XR’s designers focused on ensuring space was optimised in the most important places, specifically elbow room for seated passengers.

With a generous 59 ft3 of luggage space, the Learjet 60XR can accommodate at least six large suitcases on each flight, making it one of the market's most convenient private jet options.

HAWKER BEECHCRAFT 900XP

The Hawker 900XP is another extremely popular midsize option for private jet charter due to its long range, fast cruising speeds and exceptional interior comfort.

Indeed, it offers a more spacious cabin and a greater range than the Learjet 60XR due to exceptional fuel efficiency, meaning journeys of significant distance, such as New York to Los Angeles, Munich to Dubai, and Singapore to Perth are not only possible, but they are also extremely enjoyable and comfortable. This capability ensures the Hawker 900Xp is a superb option for safe and convenient private jet travel.

The Hawker 900XP is powered by Honeywell Aerospace TFE 731-50R turbofan engines, which provide increased thrust at altitude and lower specific fuel consumption. This gives the aircraft climbing time, fast cruise speeds, and greater range, which are combined with its spacious and elegant interior to make it so popular.  

The Hawker 900XP uses a Rockwell Collins ProLine 21 avionics suite with four high-res LCD screens offering flight operation controls, which is very popular with pilots.

The Inside Story

The Hawker 900XP is normally configured with eight seats – four in a club configuration and a three-seat divan facing an additional chair in the rear.

Key to the Hawker 900XP’s popularity with passengers lies in its cabin comfort. Fully adjustable seats can swivel 360° and passengers enjoy stand-up headroom along the entire cabin length. And the Rockwell Collins Airshow 21 cabin management system allows passengers to control the temperature, lighting and entertainment via touch screens.

To ensure the longer flights are as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, a galley in the front of the aircraft comes equipped with catering facilities. A spacious enclosed lavatory and a storage cupboard for baggage are at the back. The main baggage compartment can also be accessed internally and can hold up to six small- or medium-sized suitcases.

Conclusion

Both the Learjet 60XR and the Hawker 900XP are extremely good options for private jet charters. The longer range of the Hawker ensures that longer trips are possible, while the slightly smaller Learjet 60XR offers more affordability to those not travelling quite as far.

Here at SHY Aviation, we have access to the finest aircraft on the market and our team of global private aviation specialists are available around the clock to provide you with a private jet charter, group charter, or helicopter transfer solution tailored to your individual requirements.

And the SHY lifestyle team of luxury travel experts provide concierge services to ensure your trip is seamless from start to finish, whether you need the finest accommodation, car transfers, or access to exclusive events, products or services.