Boeing Bbj vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Cessna Citation Cj4
The Bombardier Challenger 650 and the Cessna Citation CJ4 sit in different business-jet categories. The Challenger 650 is a super‑midsize jet, built around a larger cabin and higher long-range comfort, while the Citation CJ4 is a light jet optimized for efficiency, simpler operating economics, and access to shorter runways. In range, the Challenger 650 typically offers meaningfully longer legs, commonly published around 4,000 nautical miles class, making it better suited to transcontinental and some transoceanic missions with fewer fuel stops. The CJ4 is usually published around the 2,000 nautical mile class, fitting regional and many cross-country trips but more often requiring stops on longer routes. For passenger capacity, the Challenger 650 generally seats about 10 to 12 passengers in typical configurations with more space to move about, whereas the CJ4 commonly seats about 7 to 9 passengers, with a more compact cabin that works well for smaller groups and shorter stages.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Cessna Citation CJ4 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 4.37 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 9 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | CJ4 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 2170 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 8 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | 6914 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 1,970 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $11,290,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 11 | 9 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 8 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 7 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 24005 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | FJ44-4A |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 11 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 3621 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 757 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 870 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 53.4 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 50 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.4 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 17.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 15.5 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 3.1 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 14.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | 7 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 70 |