Bombardier Challenger 650 Charter: Rent the economical Large Jet
The Bombardier Challenger 650 is the fastest, longest-range and newest business jet in the popular Challenger family. The Canadian aircraft manufacturer's current portfolio is one of three available models, along with the Challenger 350 and Challenger 3500. The luxury aircraft was unveiled to the public for the first time in 2015 at the EBACE air show in Geneva. It occupies new, performance-optimized engines, an upgraded avionics flight management system, and a redesigned aircraft cabin compared to previous models. The first client handover took place in August 2016. The aircraft has its home airport in Germany and has complemented the fleet of 430 Bombardier business jets deployed in Western Europe.
The prestigious private aircraft is manufactured in the province of Québec, Bombardier's home country that is Canada. More than half of all Challenger 650 aircraft have their home base in North America and approximately 30 percent in Europe.
The Challenger 650 is the updated version of the Challenger 605, featuring two additional seats and carrying up to 12 passengers. The improved engines with higher thrust performance allow a shorter take-off distance. The modernized galley supports faster preparation of enjoyable meals on board.
First things first: In 1980, the first production model of the Challenger series, CL-600, was delivered for customer use. At the time still under the sovereignty of the Candair company, the first Challenger was primarily promoted for its comparatively roomier cabin and more economical fuel consumption. Many competing jets in the 1980s had even narrower fuselages and cramped cabins. Nevertheless, commercial success initially failed to materialize: Only 10 models were sold by 1982. In the successor model, CL-601, the Lycoming engines were replaced by the more powerful CF34 turbines from General Electric. According to industry experts, this decision was largely responsible for the rising sales figures of the Challenger series. The takeover of the floundering company by Bombardier in 1986 also saw the series refined into several models. This decision was favoured by the stretchable design, which had already been envisaged by the development engineers for the first model. In the years that followed, the triumphant advance of the popular private jet families took its course: the 500th aircraft was delivered in May 2000, and the 1000th in December 2015.
In addition to being used as a comfortable business jet, Challenger 650 aircraft have also been in service as ambulance jets for Swiss Air-Rescue (Rega) since 2018.
Advantages of a Challenger 650 as a rental aircraft:
- Low operating costs: Low spare parts costs, long maintenance intervals and high fuel efficiency make the Challenger 650 the aircraft of choice not only for those willing to buy: Charter customers benefit from more favorable rental prices, especially on longer trips when the share of variable costs predominates. The engines, which have been optimized compared to the predecessor model, give the 650 additional takeoff thrust with reduced fuel consumption in flight.
- Wide cabin: Larger seats that convert into comfortable berths: The Challenger's cabin offers what is perceived as the scarcest commodity on many long flights: Freedom of movement in abundance. Combined with the large windows, angled touchscreens and fine wood surfaces, it provides the ultimate flying experience on long-distance flights.
- Coordinated design experience: The design of the Challenger 650 is such that the cockpit and cabin merge perfectly: Pilots and passengers are offered optimal comfort and control. The detailed design of the seats and cabin trim was inspired by luxury furnishings and high-end automotive interiors. It forms a great aesthetic synergy with modern technical cabin features.
- Fast Internet: In 2017, Bombardier became the first private jet manufacturer to offer the revolutionary Ka-band high-speed Internet for business jets in the Large Jet segment. The industry's fastest in-flight internet connection offers global coverage thanks to sophisticated satellite technology. Passengers can surf the Internet, stream video or hold a video conference as quickly and effortlessly as at home or in the office.
- Established series: The Challenger brand is synonymous with private jet success: It is the best-selling business jet family of the past decades. With an impressive cabin, smooth flight characteristics and low operating costs, Bombardier's Challenger aircraft continue to be a sought-after product despite cyclical fluctuations. Many employees, pilots and customers have enabled and accompanied the success over many years.
