Learjet Turns 50 | Aviation International News

Learjet Turns 50

The first production Learjet (S/N 23-003) being readied for delivery to Cincinnati’s Chemical and Industrial Corp. in 1964.

By Mark Huber • Contributor

October 7, 2013

This month Bombardier commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Learjet’s first flight even as the company struggles to launch a larger new flagship, the Model 85, and switch to composite airframe construction. Since 1963, Learjet has become one of the world’s most iconic brands, often generically misused to describe any make/model of private jet, and a conspicuous sign of affluence. Early Learjet owners included crooner Frank Sinatra and industrialist Louise Timken, and their aircraft were a far cry from the comfortable cabins of today.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Airbus Mulls the Case For Stretching Its A350 Airliner

The possible A350-2000 model would compete head-on with Boeing's 777-9 twinjet

Airbus A350 airliner

Beta Focusing Electric Airplane Sales on Cargo, Medical

High fuel prices are steering operators toward electric aircraft

A white Beta Alia CX300 electric airplane banks above green farmland.

Gulfstream Puts G400 Test Aircraft Through Paces En Route to Certification

It set a speed record from Miami to Las Vegas on the way to NBAA-BACE.

Gulfstream test aircraft in flight

ACJ Survey Shows Growing Government Bizav Role

91% see government as business aviation growth market

Airbus Corporate Jets private aviation survey

Greece Confirmed as KC-390 Tanker/Transport Customer

Transaction is part of a government-to-government contract with Portugal

Embraer KC-390

Saab Lifts Lid on AI Fighter Agent Development

Developed in-house, the AI agents have been trained to perform a variety of air combat tasks

Saab Gripen E fighter

Gulfstream Aerospace, Jet Aviation Continue To Soar in Q3

Business jet sales remain robust despite Iran war and interest rate worries

Gulfstream jet lineup at NBAA-BACE 2025

Textron Aviation Opens Hands-on Flight Exhibit in Wichita

Attraction celebrates Wichita’s long history of aircraft manufacturing

A Cessna Citation and a Staggerwing anchor Textron Aviation’s Flight Adventure at Exploration Place, part of its investment in Wichita.