The Challenger 300, originally known as the Continental Business Jet BD-100 is a mid-size business jet which is made by Bombardier Aerospace.
In this buyer’s guide, we will be learning all about the capabilities of the aircraft, along with its core features, interior comfort, cost to buy, cost to operate, and, importantly, should you buy one?
If you wish to learn about the cost to buy, operate, and the performance specifications for over 140 private jets to find the best one to buy, then you should consider our Premium service.
Bombardier Challenger 300 Overview
The Bombardier Challenger 300 (originally known as the Continental Business Jet BD-100) is a mid-size business jet which is made by Bombardier Aerospace.
The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 10 passengers in its most passenger dense configuration. However, most aircraft are laid out in a more comfortable 9 passenger configuration.
The Challenger 300 is capable of flying non-stop for up to 3,220 nautical miles (3,706 miles), at a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet.
The Challenger 300 was launched at the Paris Air Show on July 13, 1999, at which time it was called the Bombardier Continental. It made its maiden flight on 14 August 2001, received its Canadian type approval on 31 May 2003, and was introduced on 8 January 2004.
Bombardier Challenger 300 Range
As mentioned, the maximum range of the Challenger 300 is 3,220 nautical miles.
Taking this range figure at face value the Bombardier Challenger 300 is capable of flying non-stop between New York and London.
Theoretically, the Challenger 300 has a long enough range that it can fly non-stop from New York to Paris.
As ever with aircraft range, this is assuming ideal weather conditions and minimum weight. Therefore, the real-world range will vary.
Using the Compare Private Planes Premium service it is possible to adjust the range based on the number of passengers flying.
When inputting six passengers onboard the range decreases enough that New York to Paris is no longer possible.
While a non-stop flight from New York to London is still technically possible, it is always important to have a margin of error with aircraft range and account for any unexpected weather.
Additionally, this range is assuming that the weather is absolutely perfect.
Therefore, New York to London non-stop with a Bombardier Challenger 300 is theoretically possible, however, is unlikely in practice.
However, the Challenger 300 is capable of crossing the North Atlantic non-stop.
Interior
The cabin can alternatively be configured with a 16-seat high-density interior. The seating configuration consists of beautiful new leather seating for six, a large three-seat divan in warm neutral colors, and a tenth optional seat available in the enclosed lavatory. The divan easily converts into a bed on longer flights when needed.
It is fitted with tracked swiveling recliner seats each with a table, and telephone point. A baggage compartment at the rear of the cabin is accessible in flight.
The cabin and baggage compartments are air-conditioned and pressurized by the Liebherr Aerospace-Toulouse environmental control system. At the rear of the cabin is the galley with passenger facilities. The cabin door is on the port side at the front of the cabin.
The interior amenities include four Adaptive LCD Displays, Dual FMS with LPV and RNP approaches capability, SVS, a MultiScan, Weather radar, dual IRS, dual SBAS GPS, integrated EFIS, and dual VHF and HF radios. Other amenities include Airshow System, Cabin Speakers, CD Stereo, DVD Player, Full Refreshment Center, Fully-Enclosed Aft Lavatory, Headsets, In-Flight Luggage Access, Internally Accessible Closet, Microwave, Power Outlets, and Video Monitors.
The spacious luggage area can be accessed and can accommodate a substantial amount of luggage, including items such as snow skis and golf clubs. In addition, a cabin attendant is provided for longer flights and on request. Its lone pack maintains a comfortable temperature and a cabin altitude of 7,400ft.
Advanced soundproofing systems for business aircraft, the introduction of the Silentium Air 300 Series Kit, a tailor-made soundproofing system uniquely developed based on the engineering specifications of the Bombardier Challenger 300. Installation of the Silentium Air 300 Series Kit will generally reduce overall cabin noise levels by at least three decibels, lower noise levels reduce passenger fatigue, and create a much more productive and comfortable environment for conversation, concentration, and audio/video entertainment.
How Much is the Bombardier Challenger 300 to Buy
Back in 2003 when the aircraft was new, the Challenger 300 had a list price of $21 million. In today’s money that is around $34 million adjusted for inflation.
The Challenger 300 holds its value well with an annual depreciation rate of only about 4%.
Currently, a 2003 Challenger 300 is estimated to cost $10 million, with the final model year examples estimated to cost $16 million.
Additionally, over five years of ownership, the value will remain strong, with that same 2003 model estimated to sell for $8 million in 5 years.
This demonstrates an aircraft that holds its value reasonably well and demonstrates a good deal.
You can view more acquisition costs, adjusted values, and estimated future values using Compare Private Planes Premium.
Challenger 300 For Sale
The Challenger 300 is a popular aircraft, which means that there are usually quite a few examples on the market at any given time.
Typically you can find at least 10 examples of the Challenger 300 on the global market at any given time.
This ensures that you will likely be able to find a suitable aircraft during your search process for buying a private jet.
You can search for a Hawker 4000 for sale on Controller or AvBuyer.
Cost to Operate the Challenger 300
Our latest data tells us that the annual fixed costs to operate the Bombardier Challenger 300 in North America is just over half a million dollars, with a variable cost per hour of just under $4,000.
This places the annual costs square against the Hawker 4000.
Therefore, if you were to fly the Challenger 300 for 200 hours per year, your total annual costs would total around $1.3 million.
You can calculate your exact ownership costs using the Compare Private Planes Premium service.
As with many large jets, one of the most significant fixed costs is the crew. This is because you need two full-time pilots, along with training them. Additionally, generally speaking, the larger the aircraft, the higher the crew’s salary.
When it comes to the hourly cost to operate the Challenger 300 the most significant cost is the fuel, along with moderately high maintenance demands.
Number in Service
The Bombardier Challenger 300 is the second most popular large jet in active service, with just over 450 aircraft in active service.
Moreover, the difference between the number built and the number in service is extremely minimal.
This, therefore, suggests that these aircraft are rugged and reliable.
Additionally, the long production run of the Challenger 300 demonstrates its popularity among owners.
Out of over 140 private jets, the Bombardier Challenger 300 is the 5th most popular private jet in terms of number in service.
This is a great indicator if you are looking to buy one. It means that there will be more trained crew available, more parts available, more maintenance facilities, and more on the market. And this, in turn, means that it will also be able to sell the aircraft in a few years.
Cockpit
The ergonomically designed flight deck accommodates two crew. The avionics suite is based on a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 with four 10in x 12in liquid crystal displays, an integrated four-tube electronic flight instrumentation system (EFIS), and a two-tube engine in-flight condition monitoring system (EIFCMS).
The flight systems include a dual VHF omnidirectional radio ranger with a linked instrument landing system (VOR/ILS), a flight management system, an automatic heading and reference system (AHRS), automatic direction finding, distance measuring equipment, a global positioning system, electronic ground proximity warning receiver, TCAS II, a radar altimeter and an air data system.
Fully integrated with the Pro Line 21 avionics system, the Rockwell Collins FMS-5000 combines workload-reducing automation on the flight deck with true multi-sensor navigation capability. The FMS-5000 synchronizes the operation of all lateral and vertical flight plans through coupled or advisory VNAV capability, supports time/fuel planning, and automatically flies en route, terminal, and approach procedures, as well as providing missed-approach guidance.
Performance Specs
The aircraft has two Honeywell AS907 turbofan engines each providing 35.81kN (8,050lbs) thrust. The engines are fitted with dual-channel FADEC (full authority digital engine control) and Hurel-Dubois thrust reversers.
The AS907 is configured with four axial compressor stages, including two variable-geometry stators, a single centrifugal compressor, an effusion-cooled combustor, a two-stage high-pressure turbine, and a three-stage low-pressure turbine driving a high-efficiency fan.
The two integral wing tanks hold 6,124kg (13,501 lbs) of fuel. The aircraft is equipped with an Inter technique fuel system. Fuel consumption is approximately 266 gallons per hour.
The main performance parameters are the aircraft’s non-stop range of 3,099 nautical miles combined with its ability to take-off from airstrips of 1.5km (0.8 nautical miles). The high cruise speed is Mach 0.82 or 469knot and the maximum operating altitude is 45,000ft.
The balanced field length is 4,689 feet. Landing distance (amount of runway required to land the aircraft at an average weight). The maximum take-off weight is 38,850 lbs, while the maximum landing weight is 33,750 lbs.
Should You Buy a Bombardier Challenger 300?
Time for the most crucial question – should you buy a Bombardier Challenger 300?
As ever, it is impossible to provide a blanket statement for whether or not someone should buy a specific aircraft.
There are many factors to consider, along with the mission profile of the owner.
However, if we look just at the facts of this aircraft then it is possible to provide purchasing advice.
For this size and capability, the annual ownership costs make a lot of sense, especially when it is on a similar level to the Hawker 4000.
Additionally, the residual value for the Challenger is strong, meaning that it will hold its value well compared with other aircraft.
It’s also a highly capable jet performance-wise.
Therefore, the Challenger 300 demonstrates a strong investment that will be able to carry out a wide variety of missions.
Alternative Aircraft
There is a wide variety of alternative aircraft to the Challenger 300 which can easily be found using the filters on our Premium service.
Inputting filters for aircraft with a similar range and pre-owned cost, there are aircraft such as the Cessna Citation X, Falcon 2000DX, Falcon 50EX, and Legacy 600.
This provides a wealth of options, so it is important to carefully consider each aircraft’s performance, operating costs, and acquisition costs.
