Bombardier
Bombardier Challenger 601
The Bombardier Challenger 601 is a midsize business jet that entered service in the late 1980s as part of Bombardier's Challenger family. Developed from the Canadair Challenger, the 601 was launched in 1984 and first flew on 30 June 1987, receiving certification in 1989. It combined a wide, flat‑floor cabin with a powerful General Electric CF34‑3B turbofan, delivering cruising speeds of Mach 0.80 and a range of roughly 3,000 nautical miles, enabling nonstop transcontinental and intercontinental flights. The aircraft’s four‑cabin configuration, low cabin altitude, and advanced avionics suite, including a Honeywell Primus EEC system, set new comfort and safety standards for corporate aviation. Over 250 units were built before production shifted to the upgraded Challenger 604 and later models. The 601’s reliability and performance helped establish Bombardier as a major player in the business‑jet market, prompting airline operators to adopt its platform for charter and executive transport. Its legacy endures in modern Challenger variants, which still benefit from the original’s aerodynamic design, robust systems, and the reputation for operating efficiency that the 601 introduced to the industry. Today, many 601 aircraft remain active, showcasing the type's lasting value.
