Ownership Cost
Bombardier Challenger 605 Operating and Ownership Cost
Discover comprehensive insights into Challenger 605 operating cost, including fuel consumption, maintenance expenses, crew salaries, and total ownership…
BenedictPrivate Aviation ConsultantUpdated January 21, 2026 · Published December 5, 2024 · 6 min read
At a glance
- Fixed costs / year
- $1,075,067
- Variable / flight hour
- $6,395
- Total / hour at 200 hrs a year
- $11,770
- class rate, published rates
- Charter, large jet
- $14,500–$16,500/hr
- Passengers
- Up to 12
- Range
- 4,000 nm
- $2,520/hr in fuel today, est.
- Fuel burn
- 329 gal/hr
- Cruise speed
- 459 kts
CRAFT estimates in USD (how we estimate them is below). Operating costs vary with fuel price, region and mission. Fuel today at $7.66 a gallon, our estimate of the U.S. average FBO price for Jet A: jet fuel price today. Fuel burn: Conklin & de Decker average hourly fuel burn, from its cost report for the model.
Bombardier Challenger 605 specs, range, cabin and value on RadarFAA airworthiness directives for the Challenger 605
The Bombardier Challenger 605 is a large private jet made from 2007 to 2015.
It can carry up to 12 passengers and needs 2 pilots. It flies up to 41,000 feet, cruises at 528 mph, and can travel 4,260 miles.
The annual cost to run the Challenger 605 is high.
Key Takeaways
- Factors such as flight hours, fuel prices, and maintenance expenses can significantly impact the overall ownership and operating costs of the Challenger 605.
- Careful financial planning and budgeting are crucial when considering the acquisition and operation of a Bombardier Challenger 605 private jet.
- Flown 200 hours a year, CRAFT estimates the Bombardier Challenger 605 costs about $2,354,067 a year to own and operate: $1,075,067 in fixed costs plus $6,395 a flight hour.
Bombardier Challenger 605 Total Operating Costs
Flown 200 hours a year, the Bombardier Challenger 605 costs about $2,354,067 to own and operate: $1,075,067 a year in fixed costs plus $6,395 a flight hour, or about $11,770 an hour once the fixed costs are spread over those hours. These are CRAFT's own estimates, built the same way for every aircraft; how we work them out is at the end of this page.
| Annual cost | 100 hours / year | 200 hours / year | 400 hours / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total fixed costs | $1,075,067 | $1,075,067 | $1,075,067 |
| Total variable costs | $639,500 | $1,279,000 | $2,558,000 |
| Total annual operating cost | $1,714,567 | $2,354,067 | $3,633,067 |
| Total per flight hour | $17,146 | $11,770 | $9,083 |
Bombardier Challenger 605 annual budget calculator
Set the hours you expect to fly each year to estimate the annual budget to own and operate the Bombardier Challenger 605. The total adds the annual fixed costs to the variable cost per flight hour multiplied by your hours. All figures are estimates in USD.
Annual budget calculator
$2,354,067 per year
$1,075,067 fixed + $6,395/hr × 200 hrs · about $11,770 per flight hour with the fixed costs spread over the hours. Bombardier Challenger 605, CRAFT estimate.
Flying 200 hours a year without the fixed costs? Compare the Fleet Jet Card rate
Overview of Bombardier Challenger 605
The Bombardier Challenger 605 is a top pick in the world of business jets. It’s known for its Challenger 605 specifications and Bombardier Challenger 605 performance.
With 287 aircraft in its fleet, it’s a favorite among many.
It’s powered by two General Electric CF34-3B engines. The Challenger 605 can carry up to 12 passengers. Its cabin is spacious, measuring 6.1 feet high, 8.2 feet wide, and 28.5 feet long.
The jet can fly at a top speed of 490 knots. It also has a range of 3,749 nautical miles. This makes it great for long trips.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Fleet Size | 287 |
| Maximum Cruising Speed | 490 knots |
| Range | 3,749 nautical miles |
| Ceiling | 41,000 feet |
| Cabin Dimensions | Height: 6.1 feet, Width: 8.2 feet, Length: 28.5 feet |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 48,200 lbs |
The Challenger 605 has a cutting-edge avionics system. It uses the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 suite. This gives pilots a top-notch cockpit experience.
Media_works / Shutterstock.com
Fixed vs Variable Costs
Fixed costs are paid whether the jet flies or not: crew pay and benefits, recurrent training, hangar, insurance, management and other fixed items, about $1,075,067 a year for the Bombardier Challenger 605. Variable costs come with each flight hour: fuel, maintenance, an engine reserve, landing, handling and crew travel, and other items, about $6,395 an hour, of which fuel is $2,520.
| Fixed cost | Per year |
|---|---|
| Crew Salary | $704,897 |
| Crew Training | $73,000 |
| Hangar | $62,670 |
| Insurance | $40,500 |
| Management | $114,000 |
| Miscellaneous Fixed | $80,000 |
| Total | $1,075,067 |
| Variable cost | Per flight hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel Cost | $2,520 |
| Maintenance | $1,750 |
| Engine Overhaul | $1,000 |
| Crew/Landing/Handling Fees | $825 |
| Miscellaneous Variable | $300 |
| Total | $6,395 |
Fuel: the Bombardier Challenger 605 burns about 329 gallons an hour (Conklin & de Decker average hourly fuel burn, from its cost report for the model), so at $7.66 a gallon (Oct 4, 2026) fuel is $2,520 an hour. Contract fuel often costs less than the posted price. Jet fuel price today
Factors that Affect Ownership Cost
Buying a Bombardier Challenger 605 private jet comes with more than just the initial cost. Several important factors can change the total cost of ownership.
These include crew salaries, hangar fees, and insurance premiums.
This depends on the size of the flight team. It covers the pay for pilots, co-pilots, and any extra crew needed for safe and comfortable flights.
Hangar fees for storing the Challenger 605 vary a lot. This depends on the location, hangar size, and amenities.
These fees protect the aircraft from the weather and keep it ready for use.
Insurance premiums are also a big expense. Liability insurance costs the same range. These policies reduce the financial risks of owning and flying a private jet.
There are also variable costs like fuel, maintenance, and other operating costs. These can affect the total cost of owning a Bombardier Challenger 605. Knowing and planning for these costs helps owners manage their finances well.
Bombardier Challenger 605 Acquisition Cost
The cost to buy a Bombardier Challenger 605 changes based on its age and condition. Pre-owned models start around $10,000,000 USD.
The used market has prices from $8,450,000 to $15,495,000 for models made between 2007 and 2014. The average price is about $11,972,500 USD.
New Challenger 605s cost around $25-27 million USD from 2006 to 2016. Now, they’re available on the secondary market at lower prices.
Financing options for the Challenger 605 are flexible. For example, a $7,000,000 loan over 120 months could have payments of $29,166.67 per month.
This makes the purchase more manageable for businesses and wealthy individuals.
Depreciation Rate and Resale of Bombardier Challenger 605
The Bombardier Challenger 605 is famous for its top-notch performance and features. Yet, owning an aircraft comes with big financial costs.
One key thing to know is the depreciation rate of the Challenger 605. This rate can greatly affect the cost of owning the plane.
Industry data reveals the Challenger 605’s annual market depreciation rate is about 8%. For a typical purchase price of $11,972,500, the plane can lose around $957,800 each year.
This fast depreciation is a big challenge for private jet owners. It’s something they must think about when planning to own a plane for a long time.
Even with a high depreciation rate, the resale market for Challenger 605 aircraft is still active. Right now, about 7% of the Challenger 605 fleet is for sale. There are 19 planes available, with flight hours ranging from 1,071 to 8,444 hours. This shows there’s a wide range of options for buyers.
It’s vital to understand the Challenger 605’s depreciation rate and resale value for those thinking about owning a private jet. By carefully looking at these factors and the plane’s operating costs, buyers can make smart choices. This way, they can be ready for the financial side of owning a Challenger 605.
Financing the Bombardier Challenger 605
Getting a Bombardier Challenger 605, a versatile private jet, can be done through various financing options. These options make the Challenger 605 more affordable. This way, businesses and individuals can invest in this impressive aircraft.
For instance, a $7,000,000 loan over 120 months might have an interest rate of about $29,166.67 per month. This would mean a monthly payment of $351,006.
But, the actual loan terms can change based on several factors. These include the buyer’s credit score, down payment size, and market conditions.
Prospective buyers should talk to aviation finance specialists to find the best financing options. These experts can guide through the complex world of aircraft financing. They help ensure the buyer gets the best terms for their Challenger 605 purchase.
Understanding the financing options and working with experienced professionals is key. This way, buyers can make a well-informed decision. It aligns with their needs and financial goals. This can lead to a rewarding private jet ownership experience and using the Challenger 605 to its full potential.
Comparison with Similar Aircraft
When looking at the Bombardier Challenger 605, it’s key to see how it compares to others in its class. The Dassault Falcon 2000LXS and the Gulfstream G450 are its main rivals. Range, speed, cabin size, and operating costs are all important factors.
The Challenger 605 has a range of 4,050 nautical miles and can fly at 450 knots. It also has a large cabin with 1,150 cubic feet of space.
The Falcon 2000LXS has a range of 4,000 nautical miles and a top speed of 476 knots. The Gulfstream G450 can go up to 4,350 nautical miles and reach 490 knots.
The Challenger 605 can carry up to 10 passengers. The Falcon 2000LXS and Gulfstream G450 can take 12 and 14 passengers, respectively.
The Challenger 605 also has less baggage space, at 115 cubic feet, compared to its rivals.
The Challenger 605 is a strong contender in the super-midsize jet market. It offers a good mix of range, speed, and cabin size at a lower cost. Buyers should think about their needs and what matters most to them when choosing between these jets.
For a more detailed comparison of the Bombardier Challenger 605 and its competitors, you can refer to the Falcon 900 vs Challenger 605 analysis.
Conclusion of Ownership Cost for Bombardier Challenger 605
Buying a Bombardier Challenger 605 means dealing with many costs. These include the first purchase price, regular expenses, and how much the jet will lose value over time.
Anyone thinking about owning a Challenger 605 should think about these costs and talk to aviation experts.
The total costs and detailed analysis of the Bombardier Challenger 605 show what owning this jet is like. Knowing all the costs helps potential owners make a smart choice. It ensures their decision fits their flying needs and budget.
How we estimate these costs
These are CRAFT's own estimates, built the same way for every aircraft we cover. The Bombardier Challenger 605 is costed as a large jet with 2 engines, flown by 2 pilots and 1 flight attendant, based in the U.S. and professionally managed. Lines marked “estimate” are the midpoint of a stated range for the size class, not a quote; the others are worked out from published figures. Nothing here comes from another charter operator's or broker's budgets.
| Fixed costs | Per year | How it is worked out |
|---|---|---|
| Crew Salary | $704,897 | 1 captain at $232,140 (BLS median, airline pilots), 1 first officer at $190,440 (BLS 75th percentile, commercial pilots), 1 flight attendant at $70,700 (BLS median, flight attendants in nonscheduled air transportation), plus 43% for benefits and payroll costs (BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation, private industry, June 2026). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (released May 15, 2026); BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation, June 2026 (released September 9, 2026) |
| Crew TrainingEstimate | $73,000 | One simulator-based recurrent course a year for each of 2 pilots, at $25,000 to $48,000 per pilot for a large jet. CRAFT estimate. Source: FAA task orders for recurrent pilot training with FlightSafety International (USAspending.gov) (orders 2024 to 2026) |
| HangarEstimate | $62,670 | A heated home-base hangar at $2,305 to $8,140 a month for a large jet, from published airport hangar rates; big-city airports cost more. Source: Published airport hangar rates (Concord-Padgett Regional, City of Concord NC; Naples Airport Authority FY2026; Pierce County WA; Smith Reynolds, Forsyth County NC) (read October 5, 2026) |
| InsuranceEstimate | $40,500 | Liability of $15,000 to $30,000 a year for a large jet, plus hull cover at 0.1% to 0.2% of a hull value of $12,000,000, the median of UseRadar's value data for this model (our aircraft data site). Midpoints used; pilot experience and claims history move it a lot. Source: BWI Aviation Insurance, "How much is aircraft insurance? A complete 2026 cost breakdown" (January 4, 2026); UseRadar aircraft value data |
| ManagementEstimate | $114,000 | A management company's fee of $7,000 to $12,000 a month for a large jet (crew, maintenance tracking, compliance and billing). CRAFT estimate. Source: Business Jet Traveler, "Is a management company right for you?" |
| Miscellaneous FixedEstimate | $80,000 | Navigation databases and charts, weather and flight planning, maintenance tracking, connectivity and office costs: $60,000 to $100,000 a year for a large jet. CRAFT estimate. Source: CRAFT estimate |
| Total | $1,075,067 |
| Variable costs | Per flight hour | How it is worked out |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Cost | $2,520 | 329 gallons an hour (Conklin & de Decker average hourly fuel burn, from its cost report for the model) at $7.66 a gallon, our estimated U.S. average FBO price for Jet A on 2026-10-04. Contract fuel usually costs less than the posted price. Source: Fuel burn: the manufacturer's published average, else Conklin & de Decker's average hourly fuel burn; CRAFT jet fuel price data |
| MaintenanceEstimate | $1,750 | Scheduled inspections, parts, labor and unscheduled repairs for the airframe and avionics: $1,300 to $2,200 a flight hour for a large jet. Older aircraft sit at the top of the range. CRAFT estimate. Source: CRAFT estimate, checked against Pilatus CrystalCare's published program rates |
| Engine OverhaulEstimate | $1,000 | An hourly engine reserve or engine program for 2 engines at $400 to $600 per engine per hour for a large jet. Engine makers do not publish program rates. CRAFT estimate. Source: CRAFT estimate (engine program rates are not published) |
| Crew/Landing/Handling FeesEstimate | $825 | Landing, ramp and handling fees and crew hotels, meals and transport on trips: $650 to $1,000 a flight hour for a large jet. CRAFT estimate. Source: CRAFT estimate |
| Miscellaneous VariableEstimate | $300 | Catering, cabin supplies, cleaning and de-icing: $200 to $400 a flight hour. CRAFT estimate. Source: CRAFT estimate |
| Total | $6,395 |
- Annual cost = fixed costs + variable cost per hour × hours flown. At 100, 200 or 400 hours a year that is $1,714,567 ($17,146 an hour), $2,354,067 ($11,770 an hour), $3,633,067 ($9,083 an hour).
- Fuel price: one price for every aircraft, $7.66 a gallon on 2026-10-04, from our jet fuel price data. Every dollar a gallon moves the hourly cost by about $329.
- Not included: the purchase price, financing, depreciation, sales and use tax, major one-off events beyond the reserves (paint, interior, avionics upgrades) and any charter revenue.
Crew pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage percentiles (May 2025), bls employer costs for employee compensation, private industry, june 2026. Class ranges and every source are on what it costs to own a private jet; all models side by side in the operating cost league table. Spot something wrong? Tell us.
Frequently asked questions
What are the typical operating and ownership costs for the Bombardier Challenger 605?
About $2,354,067 a year flown 200 hours in CRAFT's estimate ($1,714,567 at 100 hours, $3,633,067 at 400), before the purchase price, financing and depreciation.
What are the fixed and variable costs associated with the Bombardier Challenger 605?
Fixed costs are about $1,075,067 a year (crew, training, hangar, insurance, management and other fixed items) and variable costs about $6,395 a flight hour (fuel, maintenance, engine reserve, fees and other hourly items), in CRAFT's estimate. Flown 200 hours a year that is about $2,354,067.
What are the key specifications and performance characteristics of the Bombardier Challenger 605?
The Challenger 605 is a large business jet. It can fly up to 3,749 NM and reaches speeds of 490 knots. It has a ceiling of 41,000 feet and can carry up to 12 passengers. The cabin is 6.1 feet high, 8.2 feet wide, and 28.5 feet long.
How do the fixed and variable costs break down for the Bombardier Challenger 605?
Fixed costs are about $1,075,067 a year (crew, training, hangar, insurance, management and other fixed items) and variable costs about $6,395 a flight hour (fuel, maintenance, engine reserve, fees and other hourly items), in CRAFT's estimate. Flown 200 hours a year that is about $2,354,067.
What factors influence the overall ownership cost of a Bombardier Challenger 605?
Several factors affect the cost of owning a Challenger 605. These include crew salaries, hangar fees, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and pilot training. Market depreciation is also a factor, at 8% annually.
What is the typical acquisition cost for a Bombardier Challenger 605?
The average price for a used Challenger 605 is $14,000,000. The typical purchase price is around $11,972,500. Prices for models between 2007 and 2014 range from $8,450,000 to $15,495,000.
How does the Bombardier Challenger 605 depreciate over time?
The Challenger 605 depreciates by about 8% each year. The resale market for these jets is active, with 7% for sale.
What financing options are available for the Bombardier Challenger 605?
Financing for the Challenger 605 includes loans. For example, a $7,000,000 loan over 120 months could have a $29,166.67 monthly interest payment. The actual terms depend on credit rating, down payment, and market conditions.
How does the Bombardier Challenger 605 compare to similar aircraft in its class?
The Challenger 605 competes in the super-midsize jet category. It’s similar to the Dassault Falcon 2000LXS and the Gulfstream G450. When comparing, consider range, speed, cabin size, and operating costs.
Featured Image: Thierry Weber / Shutterstock.com
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