Frequently asked questions
Challenger 850: what kind of aircraft is it and what to consider when buying?
The Challenger 850 (2006–2012) is built on the CRJ200 regional airliner: hence an airliner-width 2.49 m cabin nearly 15 m long — up to 14–16 seats in three zones. A range of about 5,200 km, an 850 km/h cruise and GE CF34-3B1 engines. No other business jet gives more square metres per dollar. The cabin has a flight attendant and hot meal service. The baggage compartment is accessible in flight. On typical legs it covers routes such as Paris–Geneva · London–Athens · Dubai–Maldives. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does the Challenger 850 cost: purchase and running costs?
Guide figures for the Challenger 850: average pre-owned price — $5M. Running costs at 300–400 h/year — about $2.96M/year, or $7,398 per flight hour. The final figure depends on year, hours flown, engine-programme status and configuration. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What is Bombardier known for and which families does it build?
Canada's Bombardier is one of the 'big three' business-jet makers. Two current families: Challenger (the 3500 in super-midsize, the 650 in large) and the flagship Global 5500/6500/7500/8000 line with up to 14,800 km of range. Signature traits are wide cabins (the Challenger 3500 has the widest in class, 2.19 m) and the Smooth Flĕx wing on the Global 7500. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How reliable are the Challenger and Global and what about service?
The Challenger 604/605/650 is one of the most numerous large jets: over 1,100 built, with fleet dispatch reliability above 99.7%. Bombardier is actively expanding its own service network — major centres in London, Paris, Singapore and Dubai cover the CIS and Central Asia. The GE CF34 engines on the Challenger are serviced under the fixed-rate OnPoint programme. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How well does Bombardier hold value on the pre-owned market?
The Challenger 650 is the liquidity champion in the large class: five-year-old aircraft sell for $22–26M against a $33M list, with exposure rarely over 90 days. The Global 7500, with a waiting list for new jets, sells pre-owned at almost no discount — $60–70M. Early Global Express XRS hold value less well ($10–15M), where costly maintenance checks await the buyer. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which Bombardier should you choose for a specific task?
For 3–5-hour routes (Geneva–Istanbul, London–Dubai) the Challenger 3500 is optimal — 10 seats and 6,300 km. The Challenger 650 adds space and takes 12 passengers over 7,400 km. Intercontinental tasks are Global territory: the 6500 covers 12,200 km, and the 7500 links Europe with North America nonstop — 14,260 km with a four-zone cabin. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What routes and tasks suit ultra-large jets?
A class for those who need a maximum cabin without long-range prices: 8–10-hour flights like London–Dubai, Paris–Delhi, Dubai–Singapore. Three cabin zones allow a meeting, a meal and sleep at once. Typical tasks — carrying delegations, family travel in large groups, and government and corporate flights with 10–14 passengers. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What range and how many passengers do ultra-large jets have?
Capacity is 10–16 seats: the Legacy 600/650 take 13–14 passengers, the Challenger 850 up to 14–16. Range: Challenger 850 5,200 km, Legacy 600 6,000 km, Legacy 650 7,200 km, Gulfstream G450 8,060 km, the tri-jet Falcon 900LX 8,800 km. The Legacy's holds of up to 6.8 m³ are the most capacious in the segment short of long-range jets. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does a ultra-large jet differ from neighbouring classes?
To the large class it adds a third cabin zone and up to 16 seats — but a notable part of the segment (Legacy, Challenger 850) is built on regional airliners, so the aircraft are heavier and climb more slowly. The long-range class (Global, Gulfstream G550+) gives 9,600–14,800 km and fresh airframes, but costs twice as much to buy. Here you get the maximum cabin for sensible money. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which ultra-large jets are in the fleet and how do they differ?
Five models: the Bombardier Challenger 850 — 14–16 seats, airliner cabin width; the Embraer Legacy 600 and 650 — three zones, a huge 6.8 m³ hold and the best price for capacity; the Gulfstream G450 — the fastest in the set with 8,060 km; and the Dassault Falcon 900LX — a tri-jet with 8,800 km and clearance for demanding short strips. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How do you choose an aircraft to buy for your needs?
Start from two numbers: the length of your typical route and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 people — a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km — a midsize jet; nonstop intercontinental — a long-range jet. Then adjust for short runways, baggage volume and sleeping berths. We'll match a model to your profile and calculate the ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
New aircraft or pre-owned — which is the better buy?
A new aircraft means a factory warranty and a 1–3-year queue, but the price is at its peak. A pre-owned aircraft means immediate delivery and a price 30–60% lower, while engine time and history matter. For most buyers a fresh 3–7-year-old aircraft is optimal: the main depreciation has happened and plenty of life remains. We cost both options. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
