Bombardier's answer to the Super Midsized category is the well established Challenger 300 series, the latest being the 3500, and our first impression is, put simply, what a beautiful aircraft. It definitely carries the hallmarks of the bigger Challenger 650, but is just a slimmer version essentially.

 

The cabin comes in several configurations - an 8 seat (double club four) or a 9 seat variant (6 seats plus a 3 seat sofa). The 3500 should have slightly bigger windows than the initial 300 series, so the cabin has good volumes of natural light. A flight attendant is provided as standard, as well as hot catering facilities, a flat floor running throughout and a rear lavatory.

 

All in all, this is a very comfortable ride for trips up to 6 hours, and perfect for most European legs. To give you a feel of range, London to Dubai could potentially be possible, but UK to the US would most likely need one stop en route. The luggage capability is good, but if we were to split hairs the Praetor series is just a little bigger.

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The Challenger 3500 series looks great and has a well thought out cabin. Yet, to retain neutrality, we still would not rule out the Embraer Praetor series with its active turbulence reduction, or the longer Gulfstream 280.