Challenger 604
The Bombardier Challenger 604 is a heavy jet seating 12 passengers in a 28.3-foot flat-floor cabin, 8.2 feet wide and 6.1 feet tall, with a full galley, enclosed lavatory, and Wi-Fi. Range is 4,000 nautical miles at 488 knots with a 41,000-foot service ceiling. Against the heavy jet category average, the 604 matches on seats (12 vs 12 avg), exceeds on range (4,000 vs 3,912nm avg), and carries a noticeably wider cabin (8.2ft vs 7.5ft avg). The 8.2-foot cabin width is the 604's defining characteristic in the heavy category: wider than the Gulfstream IV (7.3ft) and matching the Global Express at the same measurement.
Of the 43 US Part 135 aircraft, Solairus Aviation manages 18 — 42% of the entire type. The next three operators (West Coast Worldwide, Wing Aviation, Sky Quest) hold three each. This extreme concentration means the 604 behaves primarily as a Solairus managed-fleet aircraft in the US market, with only 10 active empty legs typically available. Charter rates run approximately $6,500 to $8,500 per hour. The 604 was replaced in production by the Challenger 605 in 2007, which added Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics and extended range; the 605 operates on the same type certificate.
Used Challenger 604s trade from $3 million to $8 million depending on year, total time, and avionics; the range reflects the 1996–2007 production window and significant variation in interior quality.
Specs at a glance
Interior & cabin
| Passengers | 12 |
| Cabin length | 28.3 ft |
| Cabin width | 8.2 ft |
| Cabin height | 6.1 ft (stand-up) |
| Baggage volume | 115 cu ft |
| Lavatory | Fully enclosed |
| Galley | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Available on most aircraft |
| Cabin floor | Flat, walk-around |
The Challenger 604 carries a stand-up cabin — 6.1 ft tall, 8.2 ft wide. Adults move around without crouching. A fully enclosed lavatory makes it workable for longer legs. Connectivity varies by tail — most operators in this fleet have at least one Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft, but confirm before booking if you need to work in the air.
Operator floor plans vary. Some Challenger 604 cabins are configured with a divan that drops the headcount by one or two seats; confirm the layout with the operator before booking.
Range & performance
| Range | 4,000 nm |
| Max cruise | 488 ktas |
| Typical cruise | ~415 ktas |
| Service ceiling | 41,000 ft |
At 4,000 nm, the Challenger 604 crosses the US coast-to-coast non-stop with a full cabin and reserves. Cross-Atlantic flights typically need a fuel stop.
Distances are real great-circle nautical miles from the selected hub. Angular positions are spaced for readability, not actual bearings. Range envelope assumes no wind and a full passenger load.
Charter cost per hour
Charter the Challenger 604 at roughly $10,000–$18,000 per flight hour, depending on how far ahead you book. Heavy jets like this carry 10–16 passengers; the per-seat math improves sharply as you fill the cabin.
Rates are flight-hour pricing. Total cost depends on round-trip vs. one-way, positioning, fuel surcharges, and taxes (~15% on top of base). Run the math on your trip →
History
Bombardier developed the Challenger 604 as a substantial upgrade to the Challenger 601-3R, replacing the older General Electric CF34-3A engines with CF34-3B1s producing 8,729 pounds of thrust each and adopting Collins Pro Line 4 avionics. The first Challenger 604 prototype flew on September 18, 1994, and the FAA issued type certification in December 1995. Customer deliveries began in 1996. Total Challenger 604 production reached approximately 330 aircraft before Bombardier transitioned the line to the Challenger 605 in 2007.
The Challenger 605 improved on the 604 with Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, an additional 115nm of range, and a refreshed interior. Both the 604 and 605 share the same type certificate, and the 605 remains in service alongside surviving 604 aircraft. The Challenger 650, introduced in 2015, continued the family with winglets and further interior upgrades.
Ideal For
- Ten to twelve passengers on transatlantic capable routes: New York to London (3,459nm) and New York to Paris (3,624nm) are feasible nonstop within the 4,000nm range
- Corporate travel departments that need a stand-up flat-floor cabin wider than most heavy jets at lower operating cost than ultra-long-range alternatives
- Charter customers who cross-shop the Gulfstream IV but prioritize cabin width: the 604's 8.2-foot cabin is nearly a foot wider than the GIV's 7.3 feet
- Solairus program clients with managed-fleet access who need consistent Challenger 604 availability on a scheduled basis
- Transcontinental US routing where 4,000nm range provides east-coast to west-coast nonstop with wide-body cabin comfort at heavy jet rates
Challenger 604 vs Heavy Average
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charter a Challenger 604?
Charter rates run approximately $6,500 to $8,500 per hour. A coast-to-coast US flight of 5 to 6 hours typically totals $35,000 to $55,000 before taxes, landing fees, and overnight crew costs. Transatlantic New York to London at approximately 7 hours runs $50,000 to $65,000 in the same range.
What is the difference between the Challenger 604 and Challenger 605?
The Challenger 605, delivered from 2007 onward, updated the avionics from Collins Pro Line 4 to Pro Line 21 and added approximately 115nm of range. Both share the same type certificate and airframe. For charter passengers, the principal difference is avionics; the 605 carries a more current flight deck. Interior quality varies considerably across both variants based on operator and refurbishment history.
How does the Challenger 604 compare to the Gulfstream IV?
Both are heavy jets with similar range (4,000 vs 4,220nm). The Challenger 604 has a significantly wider cabin (8.2ft vs 7.3ft for the GIV) and a flat floor; the Gulfstream IV has an oval cross-section. The GIV is faster (488 ktas for the 604 vs approximately 476 ktas for the GIV). For a group of ten to twelve passengers, the 604's wider cabin typically offers a more spacious feel. The GIV has a longer production history and wider parts availability.
Why are Challenger 604 empty legs rare despite 43 aircraft?
Solairus Aviation manages 18 of the 43 Part 135 aircraft (42% of the fleet) on fixed itineraries for managed program clients. Aircraft in managed fleet programs fly scheduled client routes rather than open one-way charter, generating few available empty legs. Customers seeking ad hoc 604 access typically do so through a broker with Solairus fleet relationships or a direct management arrangement.
Is the Challenger 604 capable of transatlantic flights?
Yes. With 4,000nm range and typical westbound transatlantic routing, the 604 covers New York to London (3,459nm) and New York to Paris (3,624nm) nonstop in standard conditions. Eastbound returns are faster due to jet stream tailwinds. Chicago to London (3,950nm) is near the range limit but achievable. Los Angeles to London (5,456nm) requires a fuel stop, typically in Reykjavik or Shannon.
Available Empty Legs on Challenger 604s
Challenger 604s for Charter (67) Page 2 of 2
Where Challenger 604s actually fly
ADS-B-tracked flights from the trailing 90 days. Numbers cover aircraft on our charter database; private corporate fleets and operators using PIA registration are not in this count. Methodology →
Top routes
Busiest origins
Most active operators
| Operator | Aircraft | Flights |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset Aviation LLC | 16 | 452 |
| Ventura Air Services, Inc. | 5 | 315 |
| Sky Quest LLC | 2 | 103 |
| Aircraft Services Group, Inc. | 1 | 97 |
| TALON AIR, LLC | 2 | 90 |
| JET-A LLC | 2 | 89 |
| Waltzing Matilda Aviation LLC | 2 | 88 |
| The Whitewind Company | 2 | 83 |
| A-OK Jets, Inc. | 2 | 74 |
| SpiritJets, LLC. | 1 | 72 |
Comparable aircraft
Same category, similar mission profile. The framing below summarizes how each one differs from the Challenger 604 on the dimensions that matter most.