Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Embraer Praetor 500
The Bombardier Challenger 650 is a super‑midsize business jet, typically used for higher‑comfort corporate travel with a larger cabin. It generally seats about 8 to 12 passengers in typical executive layouts and offers intercontinental‑leaning capability for its class, with a range around 4,000 nautical miles, making it well suited to longer nonstop missions and higher passenger counts. The Embraer Phenom 300E is a light jet optimized for efficiency and short‑to‑medium trips. It usually carries about 6 to 9 passengers depending on configuration and has a range around 2,000 nautical miles, making it ideal for frequent regional or cross‑country flying with smaller groups and lower operating costs. The Embraer Praetor 500 sits in the midsize category, bridging the gap between light jets and super‑midsize aircraft. It commonly accommodates about 8 to 9 passengers and offers a range around 3,300 nautical miles, providing longer legs than the Phenom 300E while remaining smaller and typically less costly to operate than a Challenger 650.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Embraer Praetor 500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 3.88 | $ 6.02 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Embraer | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | Phenom 300E | Praetor 500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 2,010 | 3340 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | 6914 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 1,758 | $ 2,779 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 464 | 466 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $9,650,000 | $16,995,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No |
| Total Seats | 11 | 9 | 9 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.4 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 7 | 7 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 25560 | 27110 |
| Connectivity | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | Canada PW535E1 | HTF7500E |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 5000 | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 3360 | 6540 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 757 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 51.2 | 64.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 52.16 | 70.5 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 5.1 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 4.9 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 17.2 | 20.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 16.75 | 21.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 3.6 | 4.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 14.8 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | 10 | 40 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | 110 |