The Hawker 4000 jet seems to have done everything right: impressive specs, a state-of-the-art avionics system, a new, mostly composite design and a maximum range perfect for flying anywhere across the United States.

Despite its exceptional design and commitment to luxury, only 73 aircraft were ever made. What happened between the day the Hawker 4000 was announced and the day that commercial operations began? Is the Hawker 4000 still a good jet?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Hawker 4000 business jet before you consider it for your next charter flight. 

How much does a Hawker 4000 cost?

When the Hawker 4000 entered the market in 2008, it sold for $23 million. Today, this luxury jet that set the tone for super-midsize jets sells for between $3 and $4 million used, with an average Hawker 4000 price of $3.5 million.

But if this jet was considered such an advancement when it first took flight, why are Hawker 4000s so cheap?

When it was announced in 1996, the Hawker 4000 specs were a cutting-edge development in the then budding super-midsize market. Then owned by Raytheon Aircraft, the development of this jet dragged on for 14 years. In 2006, Raytheon Aircraft was sold to Hawker Beechcraft Inc. for $3.3 billion.

By the time the Hawker 4000 finally made it to the market, the 2008 financial crisis was in full swing, and aircraft from Bombardier and Gulfstream already filled the space left by Hawker’s delay.

According to Business Jet Traveler, early models of the Hawker 4000 were plagued by bugs. Beechcraft Hawker eventually offered a fix to most of the aircraft’s problems in 2010, but BJT says the solutions proved to be expensive and took a long time to complete.

In 2012, Hawker Beechcraft filed for bankruptcy after only 73 Hawker 4000s were built. Textron Aviation won the bid for Hawker Beechcraft parts and pieces, and instead of reviving the Hawker 4000, it made a new, metal version of the mostly composite aircraft that would become the wildly popular and successful Cessna Citation Longitude.

So, is the Hawker 4000 a good jet?

Despite its production challenges, the Hawker 4000 remains one of the most advanced aircraft in its class.

Powered by two highly efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A turbofan engines, the Hawker 4000’s range stretches over 3,200 nautical miles, making coast-to-coast missions a breeze in this capable aircraft. 

These powerful yet efficient engines make the Hawker 4000 a reputable competitor on short-haul flights, thanks to the jet’s minimum takeoff distance of just over 5,000 feet and the ability to stop in less than 2,500 feet.

Up front, the Hawker 4000 is outfitted with a Honeywell Primus Epic avionics suite and a Rockwell Collins Airshow 21 cabin management system for wireless connectivity and passenger comfort at 45,000 feet.

All of these successes combined make the Hawker 4000 a popular choice for transcontinental business flights.

How much is the Hawker 4000 per hour?

When you book a private flight on a Hawker 4000, you’re free to experience the comfort and luxury of this advanced aircraft without having to incur the maintenance and crew costs that come with private jet ownership.

Charter costs are billed by the hour with no upfront costs, risky capital investments or recurring payments. Simply pay as you go and enjoy your time in the sky. 

The hourly cost depends on several factors, including the aircraft of your choice, its location, time of year and, of course, your flight path. Typically, smaller aircraft and turboprop planes cost less per hour than heavy and long-range aircraft. As a super-midsize jet, the Hawker 4000 falls somewhere in the middle. 

Prices can fluctuate, but at the time of writing, the Hawker 4000 costs about $11,786 to $13,027 per hour. For an accurate estimate, we recommend using our free cost calculator.

What’s the difference between Challenger 300 and Hawker 4000?

The Challenger 300 is one of the Hawker 4000’s closest competitors. Announced in 1999, the 300 took its first flight in 2001 before commercial operations began in 2004. A super-midsize jet, the Challenger 300 was Bombardier’s answer to the Hawker 4000. Despite being announced three years later, it made it into commercial production four years earlier.

Comparing the Challenger 300 and Hawker 4000 side-by-side, you will see a lot of similarities. Both aircraft boast a range of over 3,000 nautical miles, both cruise at top speeds of over 540 miles per hour, and both fly at 45,000 feet. 

The only true difference lies in the cabin size. The Challenger 300 adds an extra half-foot in width, eight inches in height and an impressive three feet in length. While it may not sound like much, this leads to common configurations for nine passengers in the Challenger and only eight passengers in the Hawker.

Whether you’re flying from New York to Miami or Los Angeles to Houston, either one of these super-midsize aircraft will make for a memorable journey. 

When you fly with Stratos, you unlock access to our vast network of reputable air carriers. Through our Approved Vendor Program, we only fly with the best and ensure that every aircraft in our network continues to meet our rigorous safety standards.

Ready to book your flight aboard a Hawker 4000 or Challenger 300? Give our private flight advisors a call at (888)593-9066 to get started.