Challenger 850 — Aircraft Profile
A regional-jet-derived heavy with the largest cabin in its class — divan, conference grouping, full galley and crew rest. Ideal for executive teams and family travel.
Specification
- Manufacturer — Bombardier
- Category — Heavy
- Passengers — 14–16
- Published range — 2,800 nm
- Cruise speed — 488 kts
- Baggage — 115 cu ft
- Cabin height — 6'1"
- Cabin width — 8'2"
Why clients choose it
- Widest cabin in class
- Stand-up double-club layout
- Full galley and dedicated crew rest
- Long-range comms and Wi-Fi
How the heavy class flies
Heavy jets carry a larger group with full baggage over long sectors, with a stand-up cabin, a full galley, an enclosed lavatory and, on most types, a divan that converts for rest. This is the class that suits an executive team travelling together or a family with real luggage.
The airport list is shorter than for lighter types — runway length, ramp space and handling capability matter — and positioning a heavy cabin costs more than a light one, so where the aircraft happens to be has a noticeable effect on the trip.
Reading the figures honestly
The 2,800 nm range quoted above is a published maximum: it assumes a defined payload, still air and standard conditions. Load every seat, add baggage, or fly into a strong headwind and the achievable sector shortens — sometimes enough to introduce a fuel stop. Cabin dimensions likewise describe the type rather than a particular aircraft, since operators refit interiors over an airframe's life.
Runway length, elevation, temperature and ramp handling at both ends are checked before an aircraft is offered, because those are the constraints that most often move a trip to a different airport or a different type.
Other heavy profiles
- Legacy 600 / 650 — 13 passengers, 3,900 nm range
- Falcon 900LX — 14 passengers, 4,750 nm range
Frequently asked questions
Does MEGA operate the Challenger 850?
No. Aircraft are operated by licensed third-party operators holding their own air operator certificates. Safety ratings such as ARGUS, IS-BAO or Wyvern are held by the relevant operator, and applicability varies by aircraft and operator.
Can I request the Challenger 850 specifically?
You can, and the desk will look for one. Whether a specific type can be placed on a trip depends on where an aircraft is positioned, crew duty limits and the operator's approvals for the airports and airspace involved. Where none is available, the closest equivalent in the same class is offered instead.
What does a quote include?
Positioning, crew, handling, standard catering and applicable fees are priced into one figure per trip after the routing is checked against the actual aircraft and date. No rate is published here, because an honest number depends on the aircraft, the routing and the day.
Related pages
Contact the 24/7 operations desk · Get an indicative quote · charter@mega.aero