For large Houston groups, a VIP airliner is the aircraft that keeps a whole party together on one departure. The Challenger 850 is one of the larger cabins we put in front of Houston groups before the trip moves to airliner-size.
Bombardier Aerospace introduced the Challenger 850 in 2006. Cabins are typically fitted with a galley, though this varies by airframe and we confirm the specifics before quoting. Rebranded from Challenger SE in 2006, production ended 2012.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: VIP Airliner
- Manufacturer: Bombardier Aerospace
- Year introduced: 2006
- Seating: 14 to 16
- Crew: 2
- Range: 2,811 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 459 knots
- Service ceiling: 41,000 feet
- Length: 87.8 feet
- Wingspan: 69.6 feet
- Height: 20.4 feet
- Baggage volume: 202 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Enclosed
Why the Challenger 850 Fits Houston
Above nineteen passengers the trip leaves FAR Part 135 for FAR Part 121 or its foreign equivalent, and the aircraft in this category are why the distinction matters.
On the published 2,811 nautical miles of range, allowing for winds and reserves, Los Angeles, New York, and Bogota sit inside a nonstop leg from Houston. Treat it as a planning figure. The operator confirms what the aircraft will do on your date and load.
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.
- 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 850 run $14,000 to $18,000 per hour as of 8/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
Other VIP Airliners Available
The full vip airliners category page lists every vip airliner we arrange for Houston departures.
Contact
For a quote on a Challenger 850 charter from Houston, TX, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or visit 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.