The Challenger 601 gives Puerto Rico groups more reach than the 600 from San Juan (SJU), seating 9 to 12 with 3,500 nautical miles of range. That stretches SJU nonstop to the US West Coast edges, the northern tier, or deeper into South America. Same wide cabin, more legs open.
Canadair introduced the Challenger 601 in 1984, adding winglets and more efficient engines to the 600 airframe. The result cruises near 443 knots at 41,000 feet and carries the range the original lacked.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Heavy Jet
- Manufacturer: Canadair (later Bombardier)
- Year introduced: 1984
- Seating: 9 to 12
- Crew: 2
- Range: 3,500 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 443 knots
- Service ceiling: 41,000 feet
- Length: 68.4 feet
- Wingspan: 64.3 feet
- Height: 20.7 feet
- Baggage volume: 115 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Enclosed
Why the Challenger 601 Fits Puerto Rico
The 601 suits Puerto Rico trips that need the wide Challenger cabin plus a genuine transcontinental US leg from SJU. San Juan to California or the Pacific Northwest comes within reach without a stop.
It is the step up when the 600’s range falls short but the mission does not yet justify a 604 or 605.
Gallery
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Challenger 601 run $7,000 to $9,000 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
Other Heavy Jets Available
- Bombardier Challenger 650
- Cessna Citation Hemisphere
- Challenger 600
- Challenger 604
- Challenger 605
- Dassault Falcon 2000LXS
Contact
For a quote on a Challenger 601 charter in or out of Puerto Rico, call +1-888-987-5387 or head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.