Charter a Bombardier Challenger 800

The Bombardier Challenger 800 is the largest ultra-midsize business jet in the Bombardier Aerospace portfolio, developed from the 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200LR regional airliner. The conversion adds 6.09 m of fuselage length and a larger wingspan with winglets, transforming the CRJ200LR platform into a 14.76 m cabin business jet that accommodates up to 19 passengers - one of the highest capacities in its category. The Challenger 800 was initially developed by Canadair in 1995 with CF34-3A1 engines covering 5,556 km range. Later versions were re-engined with CF34-3B1 turbofans delivering 8,364 kg of thrust at 35°C, extending range to 5,778 km and adding high-altitude and hot-climate operational capability that is specifically relevant for Middle East, African and South Asian charter missions.

The 14.76 m cabin at 2.49 m wide and 1.85 m high provides the Challenger family's wide-body cabin standard in an aircraft that carries up to 19 passengers on 3,120 nm sectors. The 2.49 m cabin width is consistent with the Challenger 605 - a significant advantage over narrower competing large-cabin jets. Charter prices start from approximately £4,200 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Challenger 800?

• 14.76 m cabin - the longest in the ultra-midsize/large-cabin category. At 14.76 m it is one of the longest available in any non-ultra-long-range business jet. For groups of 10 to 19 passengers on intercontinental and Gulf missions, this cabin length provides zone separation, movement space and seating flexibility that shorter competitors cannot match;
• Up to 19 passengers - among the highest capacities in charter. The Challenger 800 carries up to 19 passengers, making it one of the highest-capacity non-airliner charter options available. For large corporate groups, official delegations, family groups and sports teams where a single aircraft is required for 15 to 19 people, the Challenger 800 is one of very few aircraft that covers this requirement;
• 2.49 m wide Challenger cabin - consistent with Challenger 605. The 2.49 m cabin width is the Bombardier Challenger standard - the same width found in the Challenger 605 and Challenger 650. In the ultra-midsize and large-cabin category, this width provides a meaningfully more spacious seat and aisle environment than narrower competing fuselages at comparable charter rates;
• CF34-3B1 engines with hot-and-high capability. The later CF34-3B1 engines deliver 8,364 kg of thrust at 35°C - specifically engineered for high-altitude and hot-climate performance. This is directly relevant for missions to Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Mumbai and Sub-Saharan African destinations where summer temperatures and elevation combine to reduce engine performance on most aircraft;
• 5,778 km range covering the Gulf and transatlantic with one stop. The range handles London to Dubai non-stop, London to Riyadh non-stop, London to the US East Coast with one fuel stop and most of Sub-Saharan Africa non-stop from UK airports;
• Airliner-derived structural certification. The Challenger 800 is derived from the CRJ200LR, a certified regional airliner operating under commercial aviation safety standards. The structural and systems engineering baseline reflects airliner-grade requirements rather than pure business jet certification standards.

Charter cost - Challenger 800 prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £4,200 to £5,000 - competitive within the large-cabin category and below the Challenger 605 and Challenger 650 at comparable passenger counts. For groups of 10 to 19 passengers, the Challenger 800's per-seat economics are among the most competitive of any aircraft in the large-cabin charter market.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Dubai - from £30,000 (14 passengers, non-stop, approximately 6 hours 45 minutes);
• London to New York - from £42,000 (14 passengers, one fuel stop, approximately 9 hours total);
• London to Geneva - from £8,000 (14 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Riyadh - from £28,000 (14 passengers, non-stop, approximately 6 hours);
• London to Nairobi - from £38,000 (14 passengers, one fuel stop, approximately 10 hours total);
• Manchester to Athens - from £18,000 (14 passengers, approximately 3 hours 20 minutes);
• London to Lagos - from £36,000 (14 passengers, non-stop, approximately 6 hours 30 minutes).

Empty Leg opportunities appear on repositioning routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the Challenger 800

It is most compelling when the group is large (10 to 19 passengers), the destination is within 5,778 km and the combination of cabin length and per-seat economics matters:

• UK to Gulf non-stop (6 to 7 hours) with large groups. Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Kuwait City are all within non-stop range. For groups of 12 to 19 passengers, the 14.76 m cabin provides more interior volume than any competing aircraft at comparable per-seat rates. The CF34-3B1 engines' hot-and-high capability is directly relevant on Gulf arrivals in summer;
• Large group European travel (2 to 4 hours). For groups of 14 to 19 passengers on European sectors, the Challenger 800 provides the Challenger-width cabin at rates competitive with the Challenger 605 and Challenger 650. Per seat, it is typically more economical than any smaller aircraft on these sectors at this group size;
• UK to West Africa non-stop (6 to 7 hours). Lagos, Accra, Dakar and Abidjan are within range from UK airports. For large delegations to West African destinations, the Challenger 800's capacity and the CF34-3B1 hot-and-high performance are both directly useful;
• UK to transatlantic (one stop). New York, Miami, Toronto and Caribbean destinations with a fuel stop from UK airports. The 14.76 m cabin and 19-passenger capacity make the Challenger 800 the most cost-efficient option for large groups on this routing;
• Government and official delegations requiring maximum capacity. With 19-passenger certification and the airliner-derived structural baseline, the Challenger 800 is appropriate for official government and diplomatic travel where both capacity and certification standards matter.

Cabin and in-flight experience

This aircraft cabin measures 14.76 m long, 2.49 m wide and 1.85 m high. At 2.49 m width it matches the Challenger 605 and Challenger 650 - the Bombardier Challenger standard for wide-body cabin experience. The 14.76 m cabin length is the primary differentiator: it provides space for multiple distinct zones with seating configurations that support a combination of conference, dining and rest layouts for groups of 10 to 19 passengers simultaneously.

The airliner-derived CF34 engines provide a cruise environment consistent with the quiet, vibration-free standards of commercial turbofan operation. The 819 km/h cruise speed places the Challenger 800 in the mid-range for the large-cabin category.

• Cabin length. 14.76 m - longest in the ultra-midsize/large-cabin class;
• Cabin width. 2.49 m - Challenger family standard, same as 605 and 650;
• Capacity. 14 optimal; 19 maximum;
• Engines. CF34-3B1 with hot-and-high performance at 35°C;
• Range. 5,778 km / 3,120 nm;
• Communications. Satellite phone standard; Wi-Fi varies by operator;
• Galley. Full galley for groups up to 19;
• Lavatories. Multiple - confirm configuration at booking.

Technical specifications

Challenger 800 vs similar aircraft

• Challenger 800 vs Challenger 850. The 850 is the direct successor variant of the same CRJ200LR platform. Both share the 14.76 m cabin width and the Challenger cabin standard. The 850 carries updated avionics and systems. Charter rates for the 850 run approximately 10 to 20% higher. For clients where the Challenger 800's cabin and range are sufficient and the avionics generation is less important, the lower rate is the practical choice;
• Challenger 800 vs Challenger 605. The 605 has a shorter cabin (8.63 m vs 14.76 m) and fewer passengers (12 max vs 19 max) but more range (4,000 nm vs 3,120 nm) and higher charter rates. For groups of 10 to 19 passengers where the additional cabin length is the priority, the Challenger 800 provides significantly more interior volume. For groups of up to 12 who need the 605's greater range, that aircraft is preferable;
• Challenger 800 vs Legacy 650. The Legacy 650 has more range (3,900 nm vs 3,120 nm), carries 14 passengers maximum and has six flat sleeping positions. Charter rates are broadly comparable. The Challenger 800 advantage is higher maximum passenger count (19 vs 14) and longer cabin (14.76 m vs 12.93 m). For groups above 14, it is the only viable option of the two.

Frequently asked questions - Challenger 800 charter

How much does it cost to charter a Bombardier Challenger 800?
Charter rates run from approximately £4,200 to £5,000 per flight hour. London to Dubai non-stop costs from £30,000 for 14 passengers. London to Geneva costs from £8,000. London to New York (one stop) costs from £42,000. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

How many passengers can fly on a Challenger 800?
Up to 19. The optimal configuration is 14 passengers. For groups of 15 to 19, it is one of very few large-cabin jets capable of accommodating this count without a business liner or charter airliner.

What is the origin of the Challenger 800?
It was developed by Canadair (part of Bombardier) in 1995 from the 50-seat CRJ200LR regional airliner, with a fuselage extended by 6.09 m and a larger wingspan with winglets. The CRJ200LR origin provides an airliner-derived structural baseline. Later versions received the CF34-3B1 engines with hot-and-high capability for Gulf and tropical operations.

Can the Challenger 800 fly non-stop from London to Dubai?
Yes - with 5,778 km range it covers the London to Dubai sector of approximately 5,480 km non-stop. The CF34-3B1 engines' hot-and-high performance ensures full capability on arrival and departure at Gulf airports in summer temperatures.

How does the Challenger 800 differ from the Challenger 850?
Both share the same CRJ200LR platform and 14.76 m cabin. The 850 carries updated avionics and systems. Charter rates for the 850 run approximately 10 to 20% higher. For clients where cabin dimensions and range are the priorities and avionics generation is secondary, the Challenger 800 provides the same fundamental experience at a lower rate.