The Canadair CL-600 Challenger (designated CC-144 by the RCAF) was built in Montreal, Quebec. First produced in 1978, the Challenger 600 series was originally produced as a small business class, executive aircraft. The first of the 600 series was flown in 1978. Subsequent upgrades created the Challenger 604 which was produced by Canadair from 1983 until 1986, and then from 1986 as a division of Bombardier Aerospace. Primarily used for VIP transport, the Challenger fleet can also be equipped for an electronic warfare role or in a med-evac role, where the cabin furniture is replaced with stretchers. The CC-144 Challenger was first brought on strength in April 1983 for use with 412 (Transport) Squadron at Canadian Forces Base Ottawa (Uplands). CC-144601 flew with 412 (Transport) Squadron at CFB Ottawa (Uplands) starting in April 1983 transporting VIPs. In 1995, Challenger 601 was transferred to 434 Squadron at CFB Greenwood, Nova Scotia in an electronic warfare capacity where it served as a trainer for 5 years. In 2000, the aircraft was returned to 412 Squadron at Ottawa International Airport, where it again served as VIP transport until its retirement in 2014. Between 1983 and 2014, 412 Squadron carried a number of VIP while staying in Canada. It has included such notables as Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II; The Duke of Edinburgh; HRH Prince Charles and the Princess of Wales; Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother; Governors General Sauvé, Hnatyshyn, LeBlanc, Clarkson, Jean, and Johnston.

In May 2012, Challenger 601 was heavily damaged by a bird strike while in Florida at MacDill Air Force Base. It underwent a temporary repair before being flown back to Ottawa, where much of the starboard side nose was replaced.

CC144601 served as a VIP transport until 2014, when the Challenger fleet was reduced from six to four aircraft. It was delivered to the National Air Force Museum of Canada in 2015.