Bombardier Challenger 600

Development & Background

Bill Lear's wide-body vision, refined by Canadair

The Challenger 600 traces its origins to Bill Lear, founder of Learjet, who conceived the "LearStar 600" as a wide-body twinjet in the early 1970s. His goal was bold: to design a business aircraft that delivered large-cabin comfort and intercontinental range yet retained the efficiency and agility of smaller jets.

In 1976, Canadair Ltd. acquired the project, refining Lear's concept with advanced aerodynamics and a clean-sheet airframe. Canadair engineers adopted a supercritical wing designed by NASA for optimal cruise efficiency, reducing drag at high subsonic speeds. To power this wide-body business jet, they selected Lycoming ALF 502L high-bypass turbofan engines — one of the first times such engines were used in a corporate jet.

The first prototype rolled out from Canadair's Montreal facility in May 1978 and achieved its maiden flight on November 8, 1978. After 800+ test flights, the Challenger 600 achieved certification in both Canada and the U.S. by 1980, with deliveries commencing in 1981. The aircraft's wide 8.2-foot cabin set a new industry benchmark, offering true stand-up height, dual seating zones, and a transcontinental range exceeding 3,000 nautical miles.

When Bombardier Aerospace acquired Canadair in 1986, it inherited the Challenger program, which became the cornerstone of its modern business-jet lineup. The Challenger 600 evolved into the improved 601, 604, 605, and 650 models, but its DNA — a large-cabin twinjet focused on comfort, safety, and range — originated entirely with this pioneering platform.

"The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a fantastic aircraft that is passenger friendly. During my tenure flying it, passengers boasted about the cabin size and space. It was certainly an aircraft ahead of its time."

Cabin & Interior Experience

A flat-floor cabin that redefined the category

The wide, flat-floor cabin was revolutionary. Measuring 8.2 ft wide and 6.1 ft tall, it provided genuine stand-up height and the comfort of a small airline cabin — a first for private jets of its time. Most configurations seat 9 to 12 passengers, featuring club seating, a forward galley, an enclosed lavatory, and generous baggage capacity.

Today's refurbished examples often include updated avionics, Wi-Fi connectivity, and re-trimmed interiors that preserve the aircraft's timeless spaciousness while delivering modern comfort.

Charter Pricing

Operating costs (2025)

Estimates only — actual pricing varies by operator availability, seasonality, and routing. Request a quote for an exact rate.