When flying privately, you have many aircraft options to choose from. To help you determine which is best for you, we’ve put together this list of reasons to consider flying on a Challenger jet.
While most private jets may look relatively the same, they each come with a little something special and unique that sets them apart from their competitors.
It could be their range or speed. Or, perhaps it is their interior or comfortability that can draw you in.
Whatever the reason, those who travel via private jets often tend to have a preference (or favorite) model to fly.
For many well-seasoned private jet travelers, the jet of choice is a Challenger jet. Specifically, the 600 series.
The Background of Challenger
Challenger 600 series jets were designed and built by Canadair in 1980, a division of Bombardier aerospace after an acquisition.
The Challenger 600 series was built as a collection of business jets – and they are still being produced today.
Originally designed by Bill Lear (Lear Jets) with a prototype called LearStar 600 Business Jet, disagreements led to the dismissal of Mr. Lear from the project, and Canadair took over creating the Challenger 600 series.
They used a large airframe with a supercritical wing (which allows for speed), and new engine types to create the aircraft.
The idea was to design a jet that was larger than most typical private jets.
The Challenger was designed to hold from 14 to 30 passengers and range from an inviting executive jet to that of a cargo plane for companies such as UPS and FedEx.
The Inside of Challengers
Business individuals looking to hold meetings, complete projects, or simply impress others have often found the Challenger 600 series to be the perfect private jet.
After all, they are luxurious and roomy, offering all the space amenities one would welcome.
Depending on the model, when boarding a Challenger jet, you will be surprised at nicely the interior is designed.
It provides ample space for conversation, rather than straightforward seating.
You will often find horizontal seating, as well as seating around a table to provide the ultimate space to conduct business or finish work.
While it may only be a few inches larger than other private jets its size, those few inches make a huge impact on the way it feels once inside.
Add some leather seating and plush carpeting and you may never want to fly any other jet.
The best part?
The cabins have been designed to have a minimal noise level.
For those who have flown private jets before, you will know just how loud they can be.
This perk only enhances its ability to allow for conversation and business to take place.
The Specs
By now you are likely wondering about the specs of these great jets.
- How many people do they hold?
- How fast will they travel?
- How far can they go?
We won’t leave you hanging any longer.
Here are the specs of two of the most popular in the 600 series:
– Challenger 604
The Challenger 604 can travel more than 3500NM at an average speed of 528MPH.
The cabin size is relatively large. In fact, it is 6.1ft in height, 28ft long, and 8.2ft wide.
The available luggage capacity is roomy enough to be useful. It can hold 115 cubic feet of luggage.
To break it down in executive terms, it could hold about the following all at once:
- Ten golf bags
- Nine suitcases
- Six carry-ons.
Of course, this large luggage area is beneficial since the aircraft can hold up to 15 passengers and 3 crew members.
– Challenger 601
When it comes to size, the Challenger 601 is very comparable to the later models. Its cabin is nearly identical in size to the 604.
It is 28ft long, 6.1ft in height, and 8.2ft wide. The baggage space also boasts 115 cubic feet.
While it can hold up to 19 passengers and two crew, the more comfortable number would be 10 passengers.
The greatest difference between these two aircraft would have to be the speed.
While still a heavy jet, the Challenger 601 travels at a cruising airspeed of 484 MPH for a distance of 3910 NM.
Bonus Amenities of a Challenger Jet
Because Challenger jets often cater to high-end executives, there are amenities that often add to the overall private jet experience.
- You will find a healthy wi-fi signal which allows you to connect with the office on the ground or just sit back to stream some video.
- In-flight entertainment systems (IFE) are also quite popular. These portable IFE devices allow you to access hundreds of movies, magazines, custom documents, newspapers, and music options, along with a real-time moving map of your location.
- Movies, music, games, and more can be a way to unwind before you reach your destination.
Other amenities, such as food and drinks, can be selected pre-flight – and be ready for you once you board.
Other Models
Challenger jets are all really popular jets. While the 600 series offers a wonderful heavy jet experience, for those not needing quite as much space, a Challenger 300 could be perfect.
This jet still offers a roomy cabin with comfortable and luxury seating – plus amenities.
It travels at speeds only slightly slower than the 600 series and it can travel a range from coast to coast.
Holding up to 9 passengers, this is a perfect alternative choice to the Challenger 600 series.
Conclusion
Private jet travel can be enjoyed by anyone – from top executives at Fortune 500 companies to large families or a group of friends splitting the bill.
The Challenger jet, whether you choose the 300 or 600 series, can offer you a wonderful opportunity to experience luxury first hand.
If you are looking for a flight that will allow you to move about the cabin freely – without feeling restricted – while enjoying a quiet conversation, an excellent streaming movie, or the like, then you will not want to miss what the Challenger private jets have to offer.
Many private jets only last a season.
There is something to be said about a private jet that has been in production since 1980 – and is still in production today.
It’s a keeper. And, it’s a Challenger.