Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Cessna Citation Latitude
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Cessna Citation Latitude sit in the super‑midsize business jet category, but they emphasize slightly different strengths. The Challenger 3500 is typically positioned toward the higher end of super‑midsize, offering strong runway performance and a notably refined cabin experience, while the Citation Latitude is often viewed as a value‑focused super‑midsize with an efficient, comfortable layout and straightforward operating economics. On range, the Challenger 3500 generally provides the longer reach, commonly cited around 3,400 nautical miles, which can better support longer nonstop city pairs. The Citation Latitude is usually listed around 2,700 nautical miles, making it well suited to medium‑to‑long missions but with less nonstop flexibility than the Challenger on the longest legs. For passenger capacity, both can be configured similarly in real-world operations, most often seating about 8 to 9 passengers in typical executive layouts, with maximum certified seating varying by configuration. In practice, the Challenger 3500 tends to be chosen when buyers prioritize extra range and a more premium cabin, while the Latitude is favored for solid capability and operating efficiency.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Cessna Citation Latitude |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 6.80 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Latitude |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 2731 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.85 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 12394 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 2,936 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Garmin G5000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 458 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $19,305,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 26800 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 5,950 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | PW306D1 |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 6000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 5907 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 1114 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 1700 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 62 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 72.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 6.4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 21.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 20.9 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 4.4 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 15.9 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 27 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 100 |