BOMBARDIER CHALLENGER 601

• Passengers 11

The Bombardier Challenger 601 (CL-601) is a popular twin-engine private jet produced by Bombardier Aviation that can comfortably seat 8-12 passengers.

About this aircraft

• First delivered in 1983, the Challenger 601 is a refined, higher-performing version of the Challenger 600.
• Most are configured for 9-11 passengers. The enclosed lavatory can be used as an extra passenger seat if required.
• Its impressive range means the Challenger 601 can complete transcontinental flights and link almost any two cities in the United States.
• The spacious baggage hold has plenty of room for 12 suitcases.
• Production of the Challenger 601 ceased in 1987.

The Bombardier Challenger 601 is a luxurious business jet offering a large cabin, impressive fuel efficiency and versatile performance. It’s an upgrade on the 600, with a more reliable flight system and lower maintenance costs.

Interior design

The 601’s cabin is uncharacteristically large, with space to comfortably seat up to 12 people.

A typical layout features a forward galley and two seating zones, normally fitted with a four-chair club followed by a conference area with a divan, plus a lavatory at the aft end.

Chairs are fully reclining and can swivel, while the divan can be converted for sleeping. Lighting controls, entertainment systems and foldaway tables are attached to the cabin walls.

Below are standard configurations found on a Bombardier Challenger 601.

Interesting facts to learn before you fly

• Comfort is at the heart of the Challenger 601’s cabin, which is designed to be a pleasant space where passengers can relax or work.
• Both the 601-1A and 601-3A variants have the option to add an extra fuel tank in the aircraft’s tail, with a 601-1A/ER or 601-3A/ER designation. The tail tank was made standard in the 601-3R. 
• There are a pair of wardrobes, one fore and one aft, for storing hand luggage and other small items.

Technological features

The Challenger 601 is powered by two General Electric CF43-1A engines, which provide 8,650 lbs of thrust in temperatures up to 70°F.

The cockpit features dual digital Honeywell DFZ-800 flight guidance systems, Honeywell laser INS, dual Honeywell EDZ-800 EFIS, and dual digital Collins com/nav/ident radios. Similarly to the 600, the 601 was introduced before EFIS was commonly available, but the standard aircraft has a dual-channel Sperry SPZ-600 automatic flight control system, incorporating a flight director and air data computers. More typical on larger commercial aircraft, this system is certifiable for conducting Category 3A automatic landings. Other avionics include dual digital Honeywell DFZ-800 flight guidance systems, Honeywell laser INS, dual Honeywell EDZ-800 EFIS, and dual digital Collins com/nav/ident radios.

History

The Challenger 601 replaced the 600 in production to address the previous model’s problems with weight distribution, receiving upgraded engines in the process. It made its first flight in 1982 and received FAA certification in March 1983. Canadair, who owned the aircraft at the time, changed its designation to CL601-1A to reflect the new Challenger’s CF43-1A engines. During the Challenger 601-1A’s production run from 1983 to 1987, over 60 aircraft were delivered. Bombardier took over production in 1986.

The 601 series comes in several variations: the 601-1A, 601-3A, 601-3R, and 601-3A/ER. All offer the same 8.2-foot wide cabin with comfortable seating for eight to 12 passengers.

Manufacturer

Bombardier Aviation (formerly Bombardier Aerospace) manufactures business, commercial and specialised aircraft. The company began with the acquisition of several established aviation companies, starting with Canadair in 1986 and followed by Short Brothers in 1989, Learjet in 1990 and Boeing subsidiary De Havilland Aircraft of Canada in 1992.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, today Bombardier has over 60,000 employees and is a leading global manufacturer of aircraft and trains with sites in 25 countries.

Cost

A pre-owned Bombardier Challenger 601 will set you back around $13 million (USD).

Charter rates

Charter rates for the Bombardier Challenger 601 can vary greatly depending on the length of the journey you have planned, as well as the airports you decide to fly in and out of.

Contact our offices to book a private charter flight on the Bombardier Challenger 601. For information on other private jets to charter, browse our list of available aircraft.

Wet lease rates

ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) wet lease rates for the Bombardier Challenger 601 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.