Super Midsize Jet · Comparison

Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Cessna Citation Sovereign+

Side-by-side Super Midsize Jet analysis of the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Cessna Citation Sovereign+: cabin capacity, published range, typical hourly operating cost, runway needs, and how each model shows up in EmptyJet empty-leg inventory today.

Class
Super Midsize Jet
Seats
9 / 9
Range
5,741 km / 5,930 km
Bombardier Challenger 3500Bombardier Challenger 35009 seats5,741 km range50 empty-leg offersCessna Citation Sovereign+Cessna Citation Sovereign+9 seats5,930 km range120 empty-leg offers

How to choose

Cabin and capacity: the Bombardier Challenger 3500 is configured for 9 seats with cabin height 1.9 m; the Cessna Citation Sovereign+ offers 9 seats and 1.7 m cabin height. Choose the roomier cabin when passenger count or stand-up comfort matters more than brochure range.

Mission fit: published range is 5,741 km for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 versus 5,930 km for the Cessna Citation Sovereign+, with cruise speeds of 870 km/h and 850 km/h. Longer published range suits thin-route city pairs; shorter-hop missions can prioritize cabin comfort or lower typical hourly cost instead.

Operating cost context: typical hourly cost is listed at $3,800/hr for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and $3,600/hr for the Cessna Citation Sovereign+. Takeoff runway guidance is 1460 m versus 1120 m — relevant when destination airports are short-field.

Empty-leg market signal on EmptyJet: 50 live public offers for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and 120 for the Cessna Citation Sovereign+ right now. Higher inventory often means more schedule flexibility on repositioning flights, but availability still depends on the specific route and date.

Specs & availability

SpecBombardier Challenger 3500Cessna Citation Sovereign+
ManufacturerBombardierCessna
CategorySuper Midsize JetSuper Midsize Jet
Seats99
Range5,741 km5,930 km
Cruise speed870 km/h850 km/h
Typical hourly cost$3,800/hr$3,600/hr
Cabin height1.9 m1.7 m
Takeoff runway1460 m1120 m
Empty-leg offers on EmptyJet50120

Key takeaways

On published range, the Cessna Citation Sovereign+ covers more distance (5,930 km vs 5,741 km). Typical hourly cost favors the Cessna Citation Sovereign+ ($3,600/hr vs $3,800/hr). EmptyJet currently lists more empty-leg offers for the Cessna Citation Sovereign+ (120 vs 50).

FAQ

Which seats more passengers, the Bombardier Challenger 3500 or the Cessna Citation Sovereign+?

Published seating is 9 for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and 9 for the Cessna Citation Sovereign+.

Which has longer range, the Bombardier Challenger 3500 or the Cessna Citation Sovereign+?

Published range is 5,741 km for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and 5,930 km for the Cessna Citation Sovereign+.

What is the typical hourly cost difference between the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and the Cessna Citation Sovereign+?

Typical hourly cost is listed at $3,800/hr for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and $3,600/hr for the Cessna Citation Sovereign+.

How many empty-leg offers does EmptyJet list for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs the Cessna Citation Sovereign+?

EmptyJet currently lists 50 empty-leg offers for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and 120 for the Cessna Citation Sovereign+. Counts change as listings appear or leave the catalog.