IATA CCJICAO CL60

Canadair Challenger

Canadair

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Pioneer Canadian-designed long-range business jet.

First flight

1978

Category

Business jet

Seating

8–19

Range

6,100 km

Engines

Two rear-mounted Avco Lycoming ALF 502L turbofans (CL-600)

Status

In service

The Canadair Challenger 600 is a wide-cabin business jet developed by Canadair in Canada, with its design origins tracing back to Bill Lear's LearStar 600 concept. Bombardier acquired Canadair in 1986 and continued developing the Challenger family, which became one of the most successful large-cabin business jet lines in aviation history. The aircraft features a wide fuselage cross-section for its class, offering stand-up cabin height and generous interior space. It is powered by two rear-mounted turbofan engines and incorporates a supercritical wing design. The Challenger 600 series laid the groundwork for subsequent variants including the CL-601, CL-604, and eventually the Challenger 300 and 350 families. The type found widespread use not only in corporate aviation but also with government and VIP operators around the world. Its combination of range, comfort, and reliability made it a benchmark in the large-cabin business jet segment.

Notable operators

Operated widely by corporate flight departments, charter operators, and government agencies worldwide, including use by various air forces for VIP transport.

Notable facts

›Design originated from Bill Lear's LearStar 600 concept, purchased by Canadair in 1976.
›First flight took place on November 8, 1978.
›Features a notably wide fuselage, offering stand-up cabin height rare for its class.
›Canadair was later acquired by Bombardier Aerospace in 1986.
›The Challenger 600 platform spawned a long family of derivative aircraft produced into the 21st century.