The True Operating Cost of Bombardier Challenger 300
The Bombardier Challenger 300 is a super-midsize business jet offering up to 14-seat capacity, full cabin, and transcontinental range. Plan for $240,000–$280,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $2,400–$2,800 per hour. The Challenger 300 delivers spacious cabin comfort, exceptional range, and reliability for international charter, corporate, and luxury markets.
Quick Specs: Bombardier Challenger 300
| Specification | Challenger 300 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × Honeywell AS907 (5,970 lbf thrust each) |
| Fuel Burn | 260–300 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 510–540 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 5,500–6,000 lbs |
| Seats | 14 (variable) |
| Range | 4,000+ nm |
TL;DR: Bombardier Challenger 300 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $110,000–$135,000/year (insurance $18,000–$26,000, hangar $18,000–$22,000, annuals $15,000–$20,000, crew training)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $130,000–$145,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $240,000–$280,000/year (~$2,400–$2,800/hour)
- Finance an $8,500,000 Challenger 300: Add $125,000/month ($1,500,000/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$205,000–$250,000/year (~$4,100–$5,000/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$370,000–$425,000/year (~$1,850–$2,125/hour)
Super-Midsize Business Jet Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $18,000–$26,000/year for $8,000,000–$10,000,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours
- Hangar: $18,000–$22,000/year (large super-midsize jet facility)
- Annual inspection: $15,000–$20,000 labor (super-midsize complexity)
- Crew training/proficiency: $8,000–$12,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 280 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$1,540/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $20–$26/hour
- Engine reserves: $32–$40/hour ($90K per engine ÷ 5,000 TBO × 2)
- APU maintenance: $25–$35/hour
- Avionics/systems: $150–$185/hour (advanced glass cockpit)
- Landing fees (super-midsize): $200–$400/landing
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 14,000 | $77,000 | $1,540 |
| 100 | 28,000 | $154,000 | $1,540 |
| 150 | 42,000 | $231,000 | $1,540 |
| 200 | 56,000 | $308,000 | $1,540 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Honeywell AS907 Engines
- AS907: 5,000 hours TBO (excellent reliability)
- Overhaul cost: $90,000–$110,000 per engine
- Combined reserve: $200,000 ÷ 5,000 = $40/hour
- Reliability: Proven Honeywell turbofan technology
Super-Midsize Jet Maintenance
- APU maintenance: $12,000–$16,000/year
- Air conditioning/environmental: $8,000–$12,000/year
- Avionics software updates: $6,000–$9,000/year
- Pressurization and air management: $8,000–$12,000/year
- Budget: $175–$210/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Super-Midsize Jet Insurance
- $8,000,000 hull, 500+ hours, jet-rated: $19,000–$22,000/year
- $10,000,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $25,000–$30,000/year
- International charter: +50–75% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Jet Hangar | $1,500–$1,850 | $18,000–$22,200 |
| Tie-Down (Not recommended) | $800–$1,200 | $9,600–$14,400 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $122,500 | $137,000 | $259,500 | $5,190 |
| 100 | $122,500 | $274,000 | $396,500 | $3,965 |
| 200 | $122,500 | $548,000 | $670,500 | $3,353 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $8,500,000 Bombardier Challenger 300, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $1,500,000/year debt service.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $396,500 | $1,500,000 | $1,896,500 | $18,965 |
| 200 | $670,500 | $1,500,000 | $2,170,500 | $10,853 |
Financing the Bombardier Challenger 300
- Purchase price: $6,500,000–$11,000,000 (depends on year, avionics, hours)
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $6,000,000–$9,500,000
- Term: 10–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $110,000–$185,000
Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, commercial/ATP rated, $2,000,000+ annual income, comprehensive business plan, hull insurance $8M+. Lenders like JakenAviation specialize in super-midsize jet financing for corporations and charter operators.
Bombardier Challenger 300 vs. Competitors
- vs. Gulfstream G450: Similar pricing; G450 slightly faster, comparable operating costs
- vs. Gulfstream G150: G150 smaller and more economical; Challenger 300 larger cabin and capacity
- vs. Bombardier Global 5000: Global 5000 larger and more expensive; Challenger 300 entry-level super-midsize
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Sources: Bombardier Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS