BOMBARDIER CHALLENGER 604
- Passengers 12
Part of the sought-after Challenger 600 series, the Bombardier Challenger 604 is a popular twin-engine heavy private jet that can hold 12 passengers and fly for up to eight hours non-stop.
About this aircraft
- The Bombardier 604 was introduced in 1996 as a major upgrade of the Challenger 601. The cabin size remained the same, but the new aircraft featured improved performance and interior finishes.
- The Challenger 604 has room for up to 12 passengers and can complete eight-hour non-stop flights, making it suitable for non-stop transatlantic charters as well as short- and medium-haul trips.
- The baggage compartment is accessible during the flight and can hold 12 suitcases and several items of hand luggage.
- Bombardier produced over 300 Challenger 604s from 1995 to 2006, before replacing the line with the 605.
With its impressive performance and luxurious cabin, the Challenger 604 continues to impress in the heavy jet category. This is largely down to its cabin, which is one of the widest available and almost two feet wider than an Embraer Legacy 600.
Interior design
As was the case with its predecessor, the Challenger 604’s wide and spacious cabin is one of the largest in its class, with high ceilings providing standing room over 6 feet, side rails, credenzas and conference tables.
Assorted seating options include an adjustable twin double-club seat set and a luxurious three-seat sofa that can convert to beds, enabling the Challenger 604 to transport passengers intercontinentally in comfort.
The cabin features video monitors, lighting controls and entertainment systems. There are foldaway tables attached to the walls, as well as wardrobe space for storing hand luggage and other small items. The generous baggage compartment has space for 12 suitcases.
Interesting facts to learn before you fly
- When configured to fly 12, the Challenger 604’s seats can be used to make five beds mid-flight, making it ideal for night flights.
- The 604 can make steep approaches relative to its size and fly in and out of airports such as London City.
- The upgraded Challenger 605 features several internal improvements, including more natural light, larger video monitors, better work tables, reduced interior noise and an upgraded cabin electronic system. The lavatory also received an uplift.
Technological features
The Bombardier 604 has two General Electric CF34-3B turbofan engines, each providing 8,729 lbs thrust at take-off. Inside, the glass cockpit features Collins ProLine 4 avionics, with multiple screens showing left and right primary flight displays and pilot-friendly features such as flight director/autopilot systems, HF-9000 high-frequency radios, digital air data computers, turbulence detection radar and dual all-digital interface comm/nav/ident radios.
History
Replacing the 601 on Bombardier’s production line, the Challenger 604 was first delivered in 1995. It came equipped with more powerful engines, increased fuel capacity, higher takeoff and landing weights, structural wing and tail improvements and an upgraded Collins ProLine 4 avionics system.
With over 300 deliveries, the new-and-improved Challenger 604 became the series’ bestselling model until production ceased in 2006.
In addition to the private commercial market, Bombardier manufactured several variants of the Challenger 604 for international military entities, including a medium-range command and control aircraft for the United States Coast Guard.
Manufacturer
The Canadian government created Canadair in 1944 and initially produced flying boats for the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1952, it merged with the American Electric Boat Company to form General Dynamics, before becoming Convair’s Canadian subsidiary two years later.
During the 1950s, Canadair developed the successful Tutor trainer aircraft and went on to produce amphibious aircraft to deliver water for battling forest fires. The company later expanded to develop aircraft for a range of roles, including air-sea search and rescue, cargo haulage and passenger travel, in addition to the water bomber mission.
The Challenger 600 was perhaps the company’s most commercially successful product, but high development costs and slot initial sales left Canadair close to bankruptcy until it was purchased by Bombardier in 1986.
Today, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and original aircraft and trains. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 25 countries covering transportation, business aircraft, commercial aircraft, and aerostructures and engineering services.
Cost
The list price for a new Challenger 604 was $27 million (USD). Today, a pre-owned model costs around $4-6 million.
Charter rates
Charter rates for the Challenger 604 can vary depending on the length of the journey you have planned, as well as the airports you decide to fly in and out of.
If you would like to book a private charter flight on the Bombardier Challenger 604, then why not contact our offices? For information on other private jets available for charter, browse our list of available private aircraft.
Wet lease rates
ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) wet lease rates for the Bombardier Challenger 604 can vary depending on the age of the aircraft, length of the lease term, the number of block hours being guaranteed and the average cycle ratio.
