Super Midsize Jet · Comparison

Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Cessna Citation X+

Side-by-side Super Midsize Jet analysis of the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Cessna Citation X+: 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 / 8
Range
5,741 km / 6,440 km
Bombardier Challenger 3500Bombardier Challenger 35009 seats5,741 km range50 empty-leg offersCessna Citation X+Cessna Citation X+8 seats6,440 km range56 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 X+ offers 8 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 6,440 km for the Cessna Citation X+, with cruise speeds of 870 km/h and 972 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 $4,600/hr for the Cessna Citation X+. Takeoff runway guidance is 1460 m versus 1580 m — relevant when destination airports are short-field.

Empty-leg market signal on EmptyJet: 50 live public offers for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and 56 for the Cessna Citation X+ 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 X+
ManufacturerBombardierCessna
CategorySuper Midsize JetSuper Midsize Jet
Seats98
Range5,741 km6,440 km
Cruise speed870 km/h972 km/h
Typical hourly cost$3,800/hr$4,600/hr
Cabin height1.9 m1.7 m
Takeoff runway1460 m1580 m
Empty-leg offers on EmptyJet5056

Key takeaways

The Bombardier Challenger 3500 seats more passengers (9 vs 8). On published range, the Cessna Citation X+ covers more distance (6,440 km vs 5,741 km). Typical hourly cost favors the Bombardier Challenger 3500 ($3,800/hr vs $4,600/hr). EmptyJet currently lists more empty-leg offers for the Cessna Citation X+ (56 vs 50).

FAQ

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

Published seating is 9 for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and 8 for the Cessna Citation X+.

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

Published range is 5,741 km for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and 6,440 km for the Cessna Citation X+.

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

Typical hourly cost is listed at $3,800/hr for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and $4,600/hr for the Cessna Citation X+.

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

EmptyJet currently lists 50 empty-leg offers for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and 56 for the Cessna Citation X+. Counts change as listings appear or leave the catalog.