1960s

On October 7, 1963, the original Learjet 23, a six to eight seat aircraft, flew for the first time. The first production model was delivered in October of 1964. Before the end of 1964, Lear Jet became a publicly owned corporation. 1966 saw updated Learjet models 24 and 25 take flight. The company changed its name again in September of 1966 to Lear Jet Industries Inc.

On April 10, 1967 Bill Lear sold his approximately 60% share of the company to Gates Rubber Company, remaining on the Board until April 2, 1969, when they merged with Gates Aviation Corporation. At that time the company was renamed Gates Learjet Corporation. The first Model 25 was flown with a Garrett TFE732-2 turbofan engine in 1971. Later, that aircraft became the Learjet 35 and the company received the President’s “E” Award for promoting export sales.