Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation Latitude
The Bombardier Challenger 650 is a super‑midsize business jet aimed at longer, more comfortable missions, typically offering the greatest range of the three at about 4,000 nautical miles and seating around 8 to 12 passengers in a spacious cabin. The Cessna Citation Latitude sits in the midsize category, balancing cabin comfort and operating economics, with a typical range around 2,700 nautical miles and usual seating for about 7 to 9 passengers (often configured up to roughly 9). The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a light jet designed for efficient short‑to‑mid trips, generally providing the shortest range of the group at roughly 2,000 nautical miles and carrying about 6 to 8 passengers. Overall, the Challenger 650 leads on range and cabin size, the Latitude offers a strong middle ground in size and capability, and the CJ3+ prioritizes lower operating footprint and efficiency for shorter missions.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation Latitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 4.05 | $ 6.80 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 9 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | CJ3+ | Latitude |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 1898 | 2731 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.85 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 8 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | 5530 | 12394 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 7 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 1,680 | $ 2,936 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G5000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 415 | 458 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $9,915,000 | $19,305,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No |
| Total Seats | 11 | 9 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 8 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.9 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 7 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 23586 | 26800 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5,950 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | FJ44-3A | PW306D1 |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 5000 | 6000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 11 | ISA + 15 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 2820 | 5907 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 624 | 1114 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 703 | 1700 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 51.2 | 62 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 53 | 72.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.4 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 4.8 | 6.4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 4.8 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 15.7 | 21.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 15.2 | 20.9 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 3.1 | 4.4 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 12.2 | 15.9 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | — | 27 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 65 | 100 |