Heavy Jet Charter
Large-cabin comfort, intercontinental reach.
Why Charter This Aircraft
A versatile layout for business or leisure.
Capable of nonstop intercontinental flights.
A long history of successful operations.
Large-cabin comfort at midsize-to-large jet charter rates.
Development & Background
The Challenger 604 was developed in the late 1980s and launched in 1995 as an evolution of the proven Challenger 601/601-3R series. Bombardier aimed to create a long-range corporate jet that would appeal to executives, governments, and private charter operators requiring more endurance and updated systems than the 601 could provide.
Engines were upgraded to General Electric CF34-3B turbofans providing 8,729 lbs of thrust each for improved takeoff and climb performance. Avionics included the Honeywell Primus 2000 suite, offering advanced navigation, autopilot, and flight management capabilities for transcontinental operations — enough to fly nonstop up to 4,000 nautical miles, making city pairs such as New York to London, Los Angeles to Tokyo, or Dubai to London achievable. Inside the cabin, redesigned environmental controls, optional entertainment systems, and improved noise suppression rounded out the upgrades.
First flown in 1995 and certified in 1996, the Challenger 604 quickly became popular among charter operators and corporate fleets. Over 500 aircraft were delivered, establishing a reputation for reliability, comfort, and versatility. The 604's widebody cabin, twin-engine efficiency, and long-range capability cemented Bombardier's leadership in the large-cabin midsize jet market.
Specifications
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passenger Capacity | 9–12 passengers |
| Range | 4,000 nm (7,408 km) |
| Max Cruise Speed | 459 knots (Mach 0.80) |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed | 430 knots |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
| Takeoff Distance (MTOW) | 5,800 ft (1,768 m) |
| Landing Distance | 2,700 ft (823 m) |
| Cabin Dimensions (L×W×H) | 28.3 ft × 8.2 ft × 6.1 ft |
| Baggage Capacity | 115 cu ft |
| Engines | 2 × General Electric CF34-3B |
| MTOW | 48,200 lb (21,863 kg) |
Cabin & Interior Experience
The Challenger 604 maintains the wide-body flat-floor cabin introduced on the 601 series. It comfortably accommodates 9 to 12 passengers in club seating with divans, a forward galley, and a fully enclosed lavatory. Noise reduction measures, upgraded pressurization, and optional Wi-Fi or in-flight entertainment make it ideal for productive or leisurely flights.
Passengers enjoy stand-up headroom, generous baggage capacity, and a layout that supports business meetings, relaxation, or dining in flight. Its interior dimensions and quiet operation remain competitive even against newer mid-to-large cabin jets.
Capabilities & Performance
Powered by two GE CF34-3B engines generating 8,729 lbf of thrust each, the Challenger 604 cruises at a max speed of Mach 0.8 (459 KTAS) with a service ceiling of 41,000 ft, burning approximately 330 gallons per hour. The aircraft's 4,000-nautical-mile range makes transatlantic trips routine, while a takeoff distance of 5,800 ft and landing distance of 2,700 ft keep it accessible at most regional airports.
The 115-cubic-foot baggage compartment easily fits multiple pieces of luggage. As a two-pilot aircraft, captains are typically hired around 4,000 total flight hours, with first officers around 2,000.
Charter Pricing
| Direct Operating Cost | $5,800 – $6,200/hr |
| Charter Rate | $10,500 – $12,000/hr |
| Fuel Burn | ~330 GPH |
| Maintenance Programs | JSSI, SmartParts |
| Average Used Value (2025) | $4.0M – $6.0M |
Estimates only — actual pricing varies by operator availability, seasonality, and routing. Request a quote for an exact rate.
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