Charter a Bombardier Challenger 850

The Bombardier Challenger 850 occupies a distinctive position in the private aviation market: a large-cabin jet derived from the Bombardier CRJ200LR regional airliner, converted into a VIP executive aircraft with a cabin that in raw dimensions matches the Global 6000 - 14.76 m long, 2.49 m wide, 1.85 m high. The result is a jet that offers substantially more interior space than a conventional large-cabin business jet at a charter rate well below purpose-built ultra-long-range aircraft. Available in two configurations - standard range (4,400 km) and extended range (5,750 km with additional fuel tanks) - it carries up to 14 passengers in executive layout across a genuinely roomier cabin than most clients expect at this price point.

The Challenger 850 is powered by two General Electric CF34-3B1 turbofan engines and cruises at 850 km/h. It is the natural choice for large groups where cabin space per passenger is the priority: corporate shuttles, government delegations, sports teams, and family groups who want flat beds, a sofa zone and a working conference area all available simultaneously on a single aircraft. Private Jets UK arranges charters from UK airports with pricing from approximately £4,900 per flight hour. For the full fleet and pricing see our private jet price guide or browse all available private jet models.

Why charter the Challenger 850?

• Global 6000-sized cabin at a large-cabin price. The interior measures 14.76 m x 2.49 m x 1.85 m - almost identical in footprint to the Global 6000. Clients who need that cabin volume for multi-zone working, sleeping and socialising, but whose mission does not require ultra-long-range performance, often find this the most cost-efficient solution;
• Multi-zone cabin layout. Standard VIP configurations include a forward conference and dining area, a central lounge with opposing club seats, and an aft rest zone with a three-seat sofa and pairs of seats that convert to flat beds - three distinct living spaces within a single aircraft;
• Up to 14 passengers in executive configuration. Few business jets accommodate 14 passengers in genuine comfort. The Challenger 850 is a regular choice for large family groups, board-level delegations and sports teams where maintaining group cohesion on a single aircraft matters;
• Available in extended-range variant. The ER version adds two additional fuel tanks increasing range to 5,750 km - enough for London to Dubai non-stop, London to New York with a technical stop, and most Middle Eastern and North African destinations;
• Cost-efficient for large groups. On a per-seat basis for 12 to 14 passengers, charter rates become highly competitive. Compared to booking two midsize jets for the same group, the Challenger 850 often costs less and keeps the group together;
• Established reliability. Based on the proven CRJ200 airframe with decades of commercial airline operation, it brings robust maintenance infrastructure and high dispatch reliability to the business aviation market.

Charter cost - Challenger 850 prices from UK airports

Hourly charter rates run from approximately £4,900 to £5,800 depending on the specific aircraft configuration (standard vs extended range), operator and season. On a per-seat basis for groups of 12 to 14 passengers, the economics are compelling relative to alternatives.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Dubai - from £34,000 (14 passengers, extended range, non-stop, approximately 6 hours 45 minutes);
• London to Moscow - from £18,000 (14 passengers, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes);
• London to New York - from £56,000 (14 passengers, extended range, one fuel stop, approximately 9 hours total);
• London to Barcelona - from £12,400 (14 passengers, approximately 2 hours);
• London to Istanbul - from £16,800 (14 passengers, approximately 3 hours 20 minutes);
• Edinburgh to Dubai - from £36,000 (14 passengers, extended range, non-stop);
• Manchester to Rome - from £14,200 (14 passengers, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes).

Empty Leg opportunities on the Challenger 850 appear on repositioning routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the Challenger 850

This aircraft is selected when group size, cabin space or per-seat economics are the deciding factors. Its natural mission is the 2 to 7 hour sector with 10 to 14 passengers:

• UK to Middle East (6 to 7 hours, extended range non-stop). Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat. The extended range variant covers these routes non-stop - carrying 14 passengers in a cabin with flat beds and a lounge, at a total cost that beats booking two Challenger 300s for the same group;
• UK to Mediterranean and Southern Europe (2 to 3.5 hours). Rome, Athens, Istanbul, Cairo. On these sectors the large cabin becomes a working and dining environment for a full executive group, arriving together without the logistics of two separate jets;
• Corporate shuttle operations. Moving 12 to 14 employees between London and a European hub on a regular schedule - Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich. The per-seat rate on a full Challenger 850 is often lower than business class;
• Government and sports team charters. The 14-seat executive layout and corporate shuttle variants are regularly used for parliamentary delegations, national sports teams and senior executive groups where keeping the party together on one aircraft is operationally important;
• UK to North Africa (3 to 4 hours). Casablanca, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli. The standard range version covers all North African destinations non-stop from UK airports.

Cabin and in-flight experience

At 14.76 m long, 2.49 m wide and 1.85 m high, the cabin is among the largest available in any charter business jet. It is divided into three zones in the standard VIP configuration. The forward zone is arranged as a conference and dining area seating up to six passengers around a full-width table. The central zone is a lounge with opposing club seats for socialising, informal meetings or entertainment. The aft zone is configured for rest, with a three-seat sofa and two pairs of seats that convert to full flat beds for overnight or long-haul operations.

• Flat beds. Two pairs of club seats and the sofa convert to sleeping positions - enough for five to six passengers to sleep simultaneously on an overnight sector;
• Entertainment. Full cabin entertainment system with large monitors, audio system and connectivity. Satellite phone and Wi-Fi availability varies by operator - confirm at booking;
• Galley. Full galley capable of hot meal service throughout the flight. Bespoke catering from London or European suppliers is available to pre-order;
• Lavatory. Enclosed private lavatory with sink in the aft section;
• Noise and pressurisation. Derived from the CRJ200 airliner airframe, the Challenger 850 has slightly higher cabin noise levels and lower pressurisation differential than purpose-built business jets such as the Global 6000. On sectors under 4 hours this is rarely a concern; on longer overnight missions some clients prefer the Global 6000 for this reason.

Technical specifications

Challenger 850 vs similar aircraft

• Challenger 850 vs Global 6000. These two cabins are nearly identical in footprint. The Global 6000 offers 6,000 nm range (vs 3,105 nm extended range), lower cabin noise, better pressurisation differential and faster cruise. Charter rates are approximately 25 to 30% higher. For missions under 3,000 nm, the Challenger 850 delivers comparable cabin space at a meaningfully lower total cost. For ultra-long-haul missions or overnight sectors where cabin quality matters most, the Global 6000 is the stronger choice;
• Challenger 850 vs Challenger 605. The Challenger 605 is a purpose-built large-cabin business jet with similar range and speed but a substantially smaller cabin (8.61 m long vs 14.76 m). Charter rates are broadly similar. The Challenger 850 is chosen when the group is 10 or more passengers and cabin space is the priority; the Challenger 605 is preferred for smaller groups where cabin quality and purpose-built business jet refinement matter more;
• Challenger 850 vs Legacy 600. The Embraer Legacy 600 is a comparable converted regional jet with a large cabin and similar economics. The two aircraft are broadly competitive - availability at the time of booking often determines the choice for UK clients. The Legacy 600 has slightly longer range; the Challenger 850 has a marginally wider cabin.

Frequently asked questions - Challenger 850 charter

How much does it cost to charter a Bombardier Challenger 850?
Charter rates run from approximately £4,900 to £5,800 per flight hour. London to Dubai (extended range, non-stop) costs from £34,000 for 14 passengers. London to Barcelona costs from £12,400. On a per-seat basis for 12 to 14 passengers, it is one of the most cost-efficient large-cabin options in the charter market.

How many passengers can fly on a Challenger 850?
Up to 14 in executive configuration, and up to 19 in the corporate shuttle version. The standard VIP layout seats 14 with a three-zone cabin including flat beds and a sofa zone. For groups of 10 to 14, this aircraft delivers more space per passenger than almost any other option at a comparable price.

What is the range of the Challenger 850?
The standard variant has a range of 4,400 km (2,376 nm). The extended range version with additional fuel tanks reaches 5,750 km (3,105 nm) - sufficient for London to Dubai, London to Riyadh and most Middle Eastern destinations non-stop.

What is the difference between the Challenger 850 and Global 6000?
The cabin dimensions are nearly identical. The Global 6000 offers greater range (6,000 nm vs 3,105 nm), lower cabin noise and better pressurisation, at charter rates approximately 25 to 30% higher. For missions under 3,000 nm with 10 to 14 passengers, the Challenger 850 is often the more cost-efficient choice.

Is the Challenger 850 a converted airliner?
Yes. It is based on the Bombardier CRJ200LR regional airliner airframe, re-fitted with a VIP interior. This gives it a larger cabin than a purpose-built business jet of similar cost, with the trade-off of slightly higher cabin noise and lower pressurisation differential compared to aircraft like the Global 6000 or Gulfstream G550.