The Challenger 601 is the re-engined successor to the Challenger 600, with GE CF34-3A turbofans in place of the original ALF 502s. For Naples clients, the practical difference is 700 additional nautical miles of range, which turns a Toronto (YYZ) to APF trip from a fuel-stop leg into a nonstop.
Canadair certified the Challenger 601 in 1984 with the CF34 engines and, in later builds, added the winglets that stretched wingspan to 64.3 feet and improved cruise economy. The airframe is otherwise the same as the 600, with a 68.4-foot length, 20.7-foot tail height, and a 9-to-12-seat cabin. Production ran through 1996 when Bombardier replaced it with the Challenger 604.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Heavy Jet
- Manufacturer: Canadair (later Bombardier)
- Year introduced: 1984
- Seating: 9 to 12
- Crew: 2
- Range: 3,500 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 443 knots
- Service ceiling: 41,000 feet
- Length: 68.4 feet
- Wingspan: 64.3 feet
- Height: 20.7 feet
- Baggage volume: 115 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Enclosed
Why the Challenger 601 Fits Naples
APF works for the 601 on the same terms as the 600: cool morning at partial fuel is a normal departure, hot afternoon at MTOW is a case-by-case call. What the 601 adds is nonstop reach to Toronto and to Aspen, which are the two Naples snowbird pairings where the 600 usually needs a tech stop.
On the outbound side, the 601 covers Nassau (MYNN) and Turks and Caicos (MBPV) with easy fuel margins, and it flies a full-cabin Naples to Puerto Rico (TJIG) leg without breaking a sweat. For a family group of 8 to 10 pax going to Fifth Avenue South for a week and pairing the trip with a Bahamas weekend, the 601 is honest budget-heavy iron.
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 601 run $7,000 to $9,000 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
A YYZ to APF winter leg in a Challenger 601 typically bills 3.5 flight hours nonstop, versus 4.5 with a tech stop on the shorter-range 600.
Other Heavy Jets Available
- Bombardier Challenger 650
- Cessna Citation Hemisphere
- Challenger 600
- Challenger 604
- Challenger 605
- Dassault Falcon 2000LXS
Contact
For a quote on a Challenger 601 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.