Aircraft overview

The Westwind (IAI) IAI 1124 Westwind is a twin engine midsize business jet built by Israel Aircraft Industries, later Israel Aerospace Industries. It is the first turbofan powered Westwind family member, developed from the earlier IAI 1123 design and certified in the mid 1970s, with production continuing into the 1980s before the improved 1124A Westwind II became the better known follow on. Its importance in the used market comes from its combination of transcontinental range, a robust airframe and relatively compact ramp footprint for a stand up class corporate cabin of its era.

Performance & specifications

The IAI 1124 Westwind is powered by two Garrett AiResearch, later Honeywell, TFE731 turbofan engines, a major change from the turbojet powered predecessor. Typical high speed cruise is in the low 430 knot range, with long range cruise commonly planned lower for fuel efficiency. Published range is approximately 2,400 to 2,500 nautical miles under favorable conditions, subject to reserves, payload, winds and equipment fit. The aircraft has a certified service ceiling of 45,000 feet. Maximum takeoff weight is about 23,500 lb, while useful load depends heavily on interior, avionics and modification status, with empty weights commonly leaving several thousand pounds for fuel and payload planning rather than full seats with full fuel.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin is typically arranged for 7 to 8 passengers, with a two pilot flight deck. Common layouts include forward club seating, an aft divan or individual seats, refreshment storage and an enclosed or semi enclosed lavatory, depending on completion. Cabin cross section is narrower and lower than later clean sheet midsize jets, so buyers should inspect the actual seating geometry rather than rely on category labels. Factory era avionics were generally analog and electromechanical, often based around Collins equipment. Many aircraft have since received upgrades such as dual Garmin GTN navigators, modern transponders, ADS-B compliance, weather radar replacements, RVSM equipment and updated autopilot or flight director components where supported.

Buying & value

On the used market, the Westwind (IAI) IAI 1124 Westwind usually appeals to buyers prioritizing acquisition cost and range over modern cabin width, dispatch automation and fuel burn. Pre purchase review should focus on TFE731 engine status, hot section and overhaul times, corrosion inspections, fuel system condition, pressurization, landing gear life items, avionics supportability and records for service bulletins or structural inspections. It should not be valued interchangeably with the 1124A Westwind II, which has aerodynamic refinements including winglets and different performance characteristics. Well documented aircraft with current avionics mandates, strong engine programs or recent major maintenance tend to command the most attention, while deferred avionics, tired interiors or near term engine events can dominate ownership economics.