The Challenger 850 is the Bombardier corporate-shuttle variant of the CRJ-200 airframe, rebranded from Challenger SE in 2006 and produced through 2012. in Switzerland-market work it fits between a heavy jet and an ACJ319 on both cabin size and hourly rate, and ZRH is where it lands.
Executive layout 14 to 16 passengers with enclosed lavatory. Range 2,811 nautical miles at 459 knots true, ceiling 41,000 feet. Length 87.8 feet, wingspan 69.6 feet, baggage volume 202 cubic feet. Airframe is identical to CRJ-200; interior is factory-completed corporate.
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 Switzerland
The Challenger 850 is an airliner-size aircraft, and in Switzerland that means Geneva or Zurich. Geneva requires approval before an aircraft this size sits on the ground for long, which is a planning point on a same-day group movement. Geneva at 12,795 feet and Zurich at 12,139 feet are the two Swiss airports built for aircraft this size, and both are fully slot-coordinated. Which airport makes sense depends on where you are actually going, and we will say so when we present the first quote.
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Switzerland-Specific Patterns We Plan Around
Charter demand in Switzerland concentrates around ski season, running December through March,
with Samedan (LSZS) and Bern-Belp (LSZB) seeing the heaviest private traffic during that period.
The World Economic Forum at Davos drives January demand to a sharp peak in eastern Switzerland.
Art Basel in June, the Locarno Film Festival in August, and the Montreux Jazz Festival over the summer
each bring concentrated charter demand. Geneva (GVA) and Zurich (ZRH) handle the bulk of inbound
and outbound flights, with Euroairport Basel-Mulhouse (BSL) serving the Basel corridor. Slot and
ground-handler coordination matters at all three; your advisor plans around it from the outset.
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 850 run $14,000 to $18,000 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date. Contact us for a Switzerland quote tailored to your specific itinerary.
Other VIP Airliners Available
Contact
For a quote on a Challenger 850 charter in or out of Switzerland, 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 National Business Aviation Association sets the broader operating standards we work within.
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.