The Bombardier Challenger 350 is a cost-effective charter option that combines modern amenities, comfort and performance. We take a closer look at the super-midsize jet.
Spotlight on the Bombardier Challenger 350
“The Bombardier Challenger 350 is a very popular private jet to charter,” says our Director of Transformation, Georgina Heron. “Our clients love its modern interior, large baggage hold, and ability to complete long-range flights like Dubai to London.”
These qualities helped the Challenger 350 become the fastest business jet in history to reach 300 deliveries in the midsize and large classification in 2019. We take a closer look at the successful super-midsize jet.
The Bombardier Challenger 350 – a snapshot
The Bombardier Challenger 350 was introduced to the public in 2013. An improved variant of the Challenger 300, the aircraft quickly became popular with individuals and operators, who were impressed by its comfort and performance.
The modern cabin is typically configured to accommodate either eight passengers in individual seats, or nine in six seats and a three-seat divan. A belted seat in the lavatory can be used for a tenth passenger if required.
“We generally recommend the Challenger 350 for five or six passengers for a more comfortable charter experience,” says Georgina. “If it has a divan, this can be transformed into a bed for night flights. Seats facing each other can usually be turned into single beds as well.”
The super-mid-size jet’s quick rise to prominence also stemmed from its impressive maximum range of approximately 3,200 nautical miles. This performance allows the Challenger 350 to complete long-haul routes that are usually only possible on larger heavy jets. Able to cover most of Africa and the Mediterranean, it can fly nonstop from New York to London, Paris to Dubai and Hong Kong to Mumbai.
The interior
“The aircraft’s interior is among the most visually pleasing and spacious in its class,” Georgina continues. “As passengers come onboard, they’re faced with a well-appointed galley that’s large enough for a flight attendant to prepare hot and cold food and refreshments.
“In the main cabin are at least six large ergonomically-designed seats that can be adjusted using individual control panels. Some configurations have a three-seat divan at the rear, which is perfect for those wanting to lie down during a flight.
“A door at the rear of the cabin separates the lavatory and sizable baggage hold, which has space for about 10 suitcases. Our clients like this design, as it means their personal items are always within easy reach throughout their flight.”
According to Bombardier, at 7.2 feet wide, the Challenger 350’s cabin is three inches wider than its closest competitor. That margin might sound small, but it makes a huge difference to the charter experience. Indeed, the 350’s interior feels as spacious as that of a larger heavy jet, measuring just one inch narrower than a Gulfstream G300 and two inches narrower than a Gulfstream V (GV).
The cabin is functional as well as comfortable. This even extends to the side tables, which deploy from the lower sidewall to create a flush surface with the side-ledge, meaning passengers can’t drop items in an open lid on the side-ledge – a common issue on older jets.
High-speed internet allows passengers to hold meetings, stream movies and even watch live sports during a flight. And they’ll be doing it in one of the quietest cabins in the mid-size and super-midsize class, thanks to a superior sound-suppressing design with a standard entry door acoustic curtain and galley pocket door.
Whether you’re chartering for work or pleasure, the Challenger 350’s cabin design delivers class-leading comfort for an unrivalled private jet experience.
The performance
“The first thing that comes to mind when talking about the Challenger 350’s performance is its ability to fly non-stop for at least five or six hours,” says Georgina. “It can connect London with nearly all of Europe and beyond to the Middle East.
“That’s quite a rare quality for an aircraft of this size. Usually, we have to recommend a larger, more expensive charter jet if our clients are travelling further afield. The Challenger 350 also has comparatively low operating costs, which are sometimes reflected in its charter rates.
“If a client wants the most cost-effective charter option for a nonstop flight from London to Dubai, for example, the older Challenger 300 or a Hawker 4000 could be comparable options. But we’re unlikely to be able to source a jet with more modern amenities than the 350 unless we widen our search to heavy and ultra-long-range jets, which increases the charter cost.”
The Bombardier Challenger 350’s performance is fuelled by two Honeywell HTF7350 turbofans that offer 7,323 lbs of thrust each. This power is coupled with the aircraft’s optimally-balanced design which provides an exceptionally smooth ride from takeoff to touchdown.
In the cockpit is a user-friendly ProLine 21 flight deck, four large screens and a MultiScan weather radar system. Bombardier says the Challenger 350 can be ready to fly in under seven minutes, climb quickly and directly to 43,000 feet, and land at notoriously challenging airports like Santa Monica, Aspen, London City and Lugano.
“In terms of amenities, comfort, performance and general ramp appeal, the Challenger 350 is up there with the very best,” Georgina concludes. “We regularly recommend it as a charter option and our clients absolutely love flying onboard this aircraft.”
If you want to learn more about the Bombardier Challenger 350 or secure the aircraft for your next charter, contact our team today.