Charter a Bombardier Challenger 605

The Bombardier Challenger 605 is a large-cabin business jet that sits at an interesting crossroads in the private aviation market: more space and range than any super-midsize jet, at a charter rate that remains meaningfully below the ultra-long-range category. Introduced in 2006 as an avionics and structural upgrade of the Challenger 604 - adding larger windows, a rounded tail section and the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite - it carries up to 12 passengers in a stand-up cabin measuring 8.63 m long and 2.49 m wide, with a range of 4,000 nm (7,408 km) that puts New York within reach of London non-stop and covers every Gulf and African destination without a fuel stop.

In the UK charter market, this aircraft occupies the large-cabin category at hourly rates of approximately £4,900 to £5,800 - comparable to the Challenger 850 and Legacy 600 but with a purpose-built business jet airframe rather than a converted regional jet. The cabin is widely cited as the widest in the large-cabin category, and the combination of range, cabin volume and London City Airport compatibility through its steep approach certification makes it one of the most practically useful aircraft in the fleet. Private Jets UK arranges charters from all UK airports with quotes within 15 minutes. See pricing details at our private jet price guide or browse the complete fleet.

Why charter the Challenger 605?

• The widest cabin in the large-cabin category. At 2.49 m wide and 8.63 m long, it provides a cabin environment that is genuinely roomier than the Challenger 300/350 class and competitive with aircraft well above it in price. Full stand-up headroom at 1.85 m throughout the length of the cabin;
• Non-stop to New York from London. With 4,000 nm range it covers the transatlantic sector reliably. It also reaches Dubai, Nairobi, Cape Town, Hong Kong with one fuel stop, and every European and Middle Eastern destination non-stop from any UK airport;
• London City Airport access. It holds steep approach certification, allowing operation into London City Airport (LCY) - a significant practical advantage for clients based in east London or Canary Wharf who need to avoid the road transfer to Farnborough, Luton or Stansted;
• Up to 12 passengers. More than any other purpose-built large-cabin jet in common European charter use. For groups of 10 to 12 it provides the most cost-efficient large-cabin solution, keeping the group together on sectors where two Challenger 350s would otherwise be needed;
• Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. The updated avionics suite introduced with the 605 variant provides a modern glass cockpit with enhanced navigation, weather radar and systems integration;
• Proven long-range reliability. Based on the Challenger 600 family which has accumulated decades of transatlantic and intercontinental service, the aircraft brings a reliability record and global maintenance network that matters on long-haul missions far from home base.

Charter cost - Challenger 605 prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £4,900 to £5,800 depending on the specific aircraft, operator and season. On longer sectors - transatlantic, Gulf, Sub-Saharan Africa - the total cost remains competitive against ultra-long-range alternatives because the 605 can complete most of these missions without the positioning overhead of a Global 6000 or Gulfstream G650.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to New York (JFK) - from £56,000 (12 passengers, non-stop, approximately 7 hours 30 minutes);
• London to Dubai - from £36,000 (12 passengers, non-stop, approximately 6 hours 45 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £10,400 (12 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Moscow - from £18,400 (12 passengers, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes);
• Edinburgh to Barcelona - from £16,200 (12 passengers, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes);
• London to Nairobi - from £62,000 (12 passengers, one fuel stop, approximately 9 hours total);
• Manchester to Athens - from £22,800 (12 passengers, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes).

Empty Leg opportunities on the Challenger 605 appear on repositioning routes, particularly transatlantic. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the Challenger 605

This aircraft earns its place on missions where the group is large, the sector is long, or the destination demands LCY access. It is overspecified for quick European hops with 4 passengers but becomes the most logical choice in these scenarios:

• Transatlantic (New York, Boston, Miami, Toronto) - 7 to 8 hours non-stop. The 4,000 nm range covers all North American East Coast cities non-stop from London. For groups of 10 to 12 crossing the Atlantic together, the per-seat economics compare very favourably with two Challenger 350s or equivalent alternatives;
• UK to Gulf (6.5 to 7 hours non-stop). Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Doha. All within non-stop range from any UK airport. The wide cabin is used as a working and socialising space on these longer sectors in a way that a super-midsize does not permit;
• Large group European travel (2 to 4 hours). Moving 10 to 12 executives across Europe on a single aircraft - corporate shuttles, delegations, large family groups. The economics of consolidating the group onto one flight rather than two are compelling on sectors of this length;
• London City Airport departures. For clients based in east London or the City, the LCY access eliminates a 45 to 90-minute road transfer to other business aviation airports. On a 7-hour transatlantic flight the time saved is significant;
• Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia (one fuel stop). Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg, Almaty. The 4,000 nm range covers these with a single efficient fuel stop at a convenient hub, avoiding the multiple stops required by shorter-range aircraft.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Challenger 605 cabin at 8.63 m long, 2.49 m wide and 1.85 m high is the widest of any purpose-built large-cabin business jet in regular European charter service. The 2.49 m width is the same dimension as the Global 6000 - a remarkable fact given the price difference between the two aircraft - and full stand-up headroom exists throughout the cabin length. For groups accustomed to super-midsize jets, the step up in width is immediately noticeable.

The standard configuration seats 8 passengers in a double-club forward arrangement with a three-seat divan and individual aft seating. A 12-passenger configuration is available for larger groups. The divan converts to a sleeping position for overnight or long-haul operations.

• Entertainment. Cabin entertainment system with monitor screens and audio throughout. Satellite phone and Wi-Fi availability vary by operator - confirm at booking;
• Galley. Full galley with hot meal service capability. Pre-ordered catering from London or European suppliers available for all sectors;
• Lavatory. Private enclosed lavatory in the aft section with a standard on the Challenger 605 of more space than typical super-midsize lavatories;
• Baggage. In-flight accessible pressurised baggage hold - passengers can retrieve luggage during the flight. Essential on transatlantic and overnight missions.

Technical specifications

Challenger 605 vs similar aircraft

• Challenger 605 vs Challenger 850. The Challenger 850 is based on the CRJ200 airliner airframe with a larger raw cabin volume (14.76 m long) but lower pressurisation differential, higher cabin noise and less range in the standard variant. Charter rates are broadly comparable. It is preferred for long-haul missions, overnight sectors and clients who prioritise cabin quality over raw size. The 850 is preferred when moving 13 to 14 passengers on shorter sectors where the additional seating capacity outweighs other considerations;
• Challenger 605 vs Global 6000. The Global 6000 offers 2,000 nm more range, a three-zone cabin, quieter cruise and better pressurisation. Charter rates are approximately 25 to 35% higher. For destinations within 4,000 nm of London - which covers North America, the Gulf and Sub-Saharan Africa with one stop - the 605 delivers comparable practical capability at meaningfully lower cost. For ultra-long-range missions to Asia or Australasia, the Global 6000 is the necessary choice;
• Challenger 605 vs Legacy 600. The Embraer Legacy 600 is a closely comparable converted regional jet alternative with similar passenger capacity and range. Pricing is broadly equivalent. The 605 is a purpose-built business jet, which some clients and operators prefer for maintenance predictability and cabin refinement. Availability at the time of booking often determines the choice for UK clients.

Frequently asked questions - Challenger 605 charter

How much does it cost to charter a Bombardier Challenger 605?
Rates run from approximately £4,900 to £5,800 per flight hour. London to Geneva costs from £10,400 for 12 passengers. London to Dubai non-stop costs from £36,000. London to New York non-stop costs from £56,000. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

How many passengers can fly on a Challenger 605?
Up to 12 passengers. The standard configuration is 8 passengers in a double-club and divan layout. A 12-passenger configuration is available for larger groups. The divan converts to a sleeping position for overnight operations.

Can a Challenger 605 fly non-stop from London to New York?
Yes - with a range of 4,000 nm it comfortably covers the London to New York sector of approximately 3,450 nm non-stop. It also covers Dubai non-stop and reaches most Sub-Saharan African destinations with a single fuel stop.

Can a Challenger 605 land at London City Airport?
Yes - steep approach certification certification for the 5.5-degree approach path required at London City Airport (LCY). This makes it one of the largest business jets capable of operating into LCY, which is a significant practical advantage for clients based in east London, the City or Canary Wharf.

What is the difference between the Challenger 605 and Challenger 604?
The 605 (introduced 2006) upgraded the 604 with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, larger windows, a rounded tail section and structural improvements. The cabin dimensions and engines are the same. Charter rates for the 605 run slightly higher due to the more modern avionics suite. Both variants perform similarly on standard European and transatlantic sectors.