We recently had the opportunity to fly aboard Glock Aviation’s Challenger 3500 (OE-HGL) on a short-sector flight from London Biggin Hill to Friedrichshafen Airport. The journey – just 1 hour and 10 minutes in the air – offered ample time to explore the aircraft’s capabilities in a real-world setting and reflect on the experience with an honest review for you to enjoy.
Recently delivered in 2024, this Challenger 3500 represents a quiet evolution of the super midsize category. Built on the dependable framework of its predecessor, it favours refinement over reinvention – focusing on comfort, efficiency, and thoughtful design rather than unnecessary flair.
Cabin & Comfort
From the moment you step aboard, the Challenger 3500’s cabin strikes a careful balance: spacious without being showy, and refined without feeling over-designed. The layout – two sets of four seats facing each other – works well for business travellers, but it’s equally suited to families. It naturally creates two separate lounge areas, making it easy for adults to find a quiet moment while still keeping younger passengers within view.
The Nuage seats, with their zero-gravity recline system, stand out for long-haul comfort. Combined with expansive windows, clean lines, and a muted colour palette, the cabin feels more like a private lounge than a means of transport. Noise levels remain impressively low throughout, even during takeoff – a small but welcome detail when flying with children or trying to work in peace.
Swivel chairs and large windows encourage engagement with the space, whether for work, social interaction, or simply watching the landscape unfold.
Service
Service on this flight was handled by a single crew member, fluent in both English and German, whose style reflected the wider tone of the aircraft: composed, attentive, and unfussy. Small touches—hot towels, carefully prepared coffee, and seasonal details such as Easter chocolates—added a sense of care without veering into overstatement.
A sliding galley door provided privacy when needed, but the space never felt closed off or divided. Response times to the call button were swift, and interactions remained warm throughout.
In-Flight Dining
Catering for the flight was provided by Odyssey Dining, with a bespoke menu curated by two-Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey. The focus was clear from the outset: quality ingredients, clean flavours, and a meal that respected both altitude and appetite.
Breakfast was light but substantial, and thoughtfully composed rather than overly elaborate. Presentation struck the right note—elegant and understated—while the fold-out table provided more than enough room for comfortable dining at 45,000 feet.
Among the selections, one standout was the overnight almond milk chia seed bowl, served with a seasonal fruit compote, a mix of fresh berries, dried fruit, and toasted nuts. A square of 75% dark chocolate, Yorkshire wildflower honey, and almond and chocolate chip protein balls added depth and texture without feeling indulgent. A cold-pressed green detox juice complemented the meal with balance and freshness.
Other guests opted for a classic combination of smoked salmon and bagels, or overnight oats, demonstrating a menu built around versatility and wellness. It felt like something you might be served in a boutique hotel suite—refined, unfussy, and indulgent.
Aircraft Specifications
- Cabin Length: 7.68 meters
- Passenger Capacity: Up to 8
- Cruising Speed: 530 mph (Mach 0.83)
- Top Speed: 870 km/h
- Range: 3,400 nautical miles (6,297 km)
With the ability to operate from performance-restricted airports such as London City and Lugano, and to fly non-stop from London to Dubai with a full passenger load, the Challenger 3500 offers genuine transcontinental capability in a super midsize frame. It’s an aircraft built for European operations—but not limited to them.
Final Thoughts
Glock Aviation’s Challenger 3500 doesn’t seek to impress through excess. Its strengths lie in its coherence: an aircraft that feels deliberately thought through, from seat ergonomics to cabin acoustics. It’s not trying to be anything more than what it is—an efficient, well-designed aircraft that delivers on the fundamentals.
For those looking for a reliable, comfortable way to cross the continent—or fly further afield—it quietly makes its case, one detail at a time.
For more information reach out to: Info@flyvictor.com
