The Challenger 600 is the original heavy jet in the CL-600 series, certified in 1980, and still a workable value option for Naples clients who want a wide-body cabin without the price of a newer 650. Range at 2,800 nautical miles is honest about what a 45-year-old airframe can do: it will not do a nonstop Toronto (YYZ) run at full cabin, but it will fly a Northeast snowbird leg into APF without a fuel stop.
Canadair certified the Challenger 600 in 1980 as the launch aircraft of the CL-600 program, powered by Avco Lycoming ALF 502 turbofans, later re-engined in the 601 variant with GE CF34s. The stand-up cabin, 68.4 feet in overall length and 20.7 feet in tail height, seats 9 in a typical charter configuration and up to 12 executive. The cabin cross-section is the same one Bombardier still uses on the 650, which is why the 600 still feels roomy across a desk.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Heavy Jet
- Manufacturer: Canadair (later Bombardier)
- Year introduced: 1980
- Seating: 9 to 12
- Crew: 2
- Range: 2,800 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 458 knots
- Service ceiling: 41,000 feet
- Length: 68.4 feet
- Wingspan: 61.8 feet
- Height: 20.7 feet
- Baggage volume: 115 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Enclosed
Why the Challenger 600 Fits Naples
APF at 6,600 feet works for a Challenger 600 on cool mornings at partial fuel; hot afternoons at MTOW push the balanced field length past comfortable margins and operators will plan an RSW pickup instead. Snowbird clients who fly the same TEB to APF or PWK to APF trip every November find the 600 rides well and lands where they want it, provided the timing is right.
Range is the honest limit. The 2,800 nautical mile book range covers Teterboro, White Plains, Bedford, and Chicago Executive nonstop, but a Toronto or Aspen leg wants a fuel stop with a full cabin. For a Northeast snowbird pattern with a 9-passenger group and no interest in a newer airframe’s price tag, the Challenger 600 is a fair-value quote.
Gallery
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Challenger 600 run $7,000 to $9,000 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
A typical HPN to APF winter run in a Challenger 600 bills roughly 3.0 flight hours plus repositioning.
Other Heavy Jets Available
- Bombardier Challenger 650
- Cessna Citation Hemisphere
- Challenger 601
- Challenger 604
- Challenger 605
- Dassault Falcon 2000LXS
Contact
For a quote on a Challenger 600 charter in or out of Naples, head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.