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| G150 vs Learjet 60 vs Hawker 800XP The Real Mid-Size Jet Cost War Nobody Talks About |
Three mid-size jets. Three different personalities. One brutal question: which one drains your wallet the least?
In today’s AutoCraft cost battle we put the spotlight on the :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}, the aggressive classic :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}, and the comfortable veteran :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
This is not a brochure comparison. This is the real money conversation.
⚔️ Personality Check Before the Numbers
G150: The balanced executive. Strong range. Solid cabin. Corporate discipline.
Learjet 60: The speed addict. Fast climb. Fast cruise. Fast fuel burn.
Hawker 800XP: The comfort-first veteran. Spacious cabin. Stable ride. Aging systems.
Now let’s open the financial wounds.
📊 Direct Operating Cost Per Flight Hour (2026 Estimate)
| Aircraft | Fuel Burn | Maintenance & Reserves | Total Estimated Cost / Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfstream G150 | ~300 gal/hr (~$1,800) | ~$1,150 | $3,100 – $3,500 |
| Learjet 60 | ~350 gal/hr (~$2,100) | ~$1,300 | $3,500 – $3,900 |
| Hawker 800XP | ~270 gal/hr (~$1,620) | ~$1,100 | $2,900 – $3,300 |
Assuming Jet A around $6 per gallon. Regional variation applies. Pain level varies accordingly.
🔥 Who Looks Cheapest?
On pure hourly burn, the Hawker 800XP wins the “budget-friendly” medal.
The G150 sits in the middle controlled, predictable, structured.
The Learjet 60? Fast, loud, thirsty. She will get you there first and invoice you immediately after.
🧠 But Hourly Cost Is Only Half the Story
Maintenance Reality
The Hawker 800XP may look cheaper per hour, but aging avionics and older systems can create surprise maintenance spikes. Cheap upfront can turn expensive mid-cycle.
Fuel Philosophy
Learjet 60 burns aggressively. Those twin engines love power. If your missions are short and frequent, fuel invoices stack up quickly.
Balanced Efficiency
The G150 delivers respectable cruise speeds with more modern systems and better long-term dispatch reliability. It often wins on lifecycle stability rather than hourly glamour.
📈 Annual Ownership Snapshot (300 Hours / Year)
- Crew: $350,000 – $500,000
- Insurance: $60,000 – $120,000
- Hangar: $80,000 – $150,000
- Training: $50,000 – $80,000
Now multiply hourly cost by 300 and add fixed expenses. Suddenly “cheap” becomes relative.
🏆 The Pisbon Verdict
Best Raw Hourly Cost: Hawker 800XP
Best Speed Thrill: Learjet 60
Best Balanced ROI Play: Gulfstream G150
If you want the lowest hourly burn and don’t mind legacy systems, Hawker makes sense.
If time is literally money and speed matters more than fuel bills, Learjet 60 still has swagger.
If you want operational stability, modern support structure, and predictable lifecycle economics, the G150 quietly wins the long game.
💬 AutoCraft Question
If you were building a boutique charter fleet in 2026, which one would you bet your capital on?
Speed. Comfort. Or balance?
Choose wisely. Jets don’t forgive poor math.
