Bombardier Challenger 604 vs Gulfstream G550
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Bombardier Challenger 604 | Gulfstream G550 |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | $3,500,000 – $6,950,000 | $5,000,000 – $34,950,000 |
| Category | Large Cabin Jet | Large Cabin Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 12 | 18 |
| Cruise Speed | 450 kts (833 km/h) | 488 kts (904 km/h) |
| Range | 4,077 nm (7,551 km) | 6,750 nm (12,501 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 48,200 lbs (21,864 kg) | 91,000 lbs (41,278 kg) |
| Useful Load | 13,000 lbs (5,897 kg) | 27,500 lbs (12,474 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 2,850.0 gal (10787 L) | 6,078.0 gal (23005 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 310.0 GPH (1173 L/h) | 380.0 GPH (1438 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 7,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $600,000 | $1,300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $600,000 | $900,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $3,800 | $5,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBombardier Challenger 604
Fuel$1,705/hr
Variable$3,800/hr
Annual Fixed$600,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,360,000/yr
Gulfstream G550
Fuel$2,090/hr
Variable$5,500/hr
Annual Fixed$900,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$2,000,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Bombardier Challenger 604 or Gulfstream G550?
Pick the Challenger 604 if…
- Budget matters — from $3,500,000 vs $5,000,000, you save ~$1,500,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$3800/hr vs $5500/hr.
Pick the G550 if…
- More seats — 18 vs 12.
- Faster cruise — 488 kts vs 450 kts.
- Longer range — 6750 nm vs 4077 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2003 vs 1996.
- More inventory — 66 listings vs 26.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Bombardier Challenger 604 or Gulfstream G550?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Challenger 604 cruises at 450 kts with 4,077 nm range.
The G550 cruises at 488 kts with 6,750 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Gulfstream G550: from $5,000,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bombardier Challenger 604 and Gulfstream G550?
Challenger 604 engine: General Electric CF34-3B.
Seats: 12 vs 18.
Cruise: 450 vs 488 kts.
Range: 4077 vs 6750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Challenger 604: about $3800/hr variable cost.
G550: about $5500/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Challenger 604: 12 seats / 13,000 lb useful load.
G550: 18 seats / 27,500 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Challenger 604: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$600,000.
G550: 7,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$1,300,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data