Beechcraft King Air 360er vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Gulfstream G280
The Beechcraft King Air 360ER is a twin‑turboprop positioned more as a utility and short-field capable aircraft than a true business jet. It typically carries about 6–9 passengers and offers long endurance for its class, roughly in the 1,500–1,800 nautical mile range depending on load and reserves, making it strong for regional missions and access to smaller airports. The Embraer Phenom 300E is a light jet aimed at fast, efficient point‑to‑point travel for about 6–9 passengers, with an approximate range around 1,900–2,000 nautical miles, suiting shorter transcontinental-style trips and frequent legs. The Bombardier Challenger 650 is a large-cabin jet built for comfort and capacity, commonly seating about 8–12 passengers, with a range around 4,000 nautical miles, enabling longer nonstop city pairs with a spacious cabin. The Gulfstream G280 sits in the super‑midsize category, typically carrying about 8–10 passengers, with a range around 3,600–3,900 nautical miles, balancing long reach with higher cruise speed and a more compact cabin than the Challenger.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 360ER | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 7.16 | $ 3.88 | $ 6.57 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | Bombardier | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 350ER | Challenger 650 | Phenom 300E | G280 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2338 | 4085 | 2,010 | 3600 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.55 | $ 0.80 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.82 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6585 | 21050 | 6914 | 15550 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 6 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,324 | $ 3,365 | $ 1,758 | $ 3,168 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 303 | 470 | 464 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $8,750,000 | $32,400,000 | $9,650,000 | $24,900,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | Yes (Belted Optional) | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Cargo Door | Optional | — | — | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 9 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 8.8 | 9.4 | 9.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Refreshment Center | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 |
| Crew Rest | — | Yes | No | No |
| Jump Seat | — | Yes | No | No |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 23000 | 25560 | 25000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-60A | CF34-3B MTO | Canada PW535E1 | HTF7250G |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | On-Condition | 5000 | On-Condition |
| Horsepower | 1050 | — | — | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 775 | — | — | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 9220 | 3360 | 7624 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | — | 757 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 46.7 | 68.4 | 51.2 | 66.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 64.4 | 52.16 | 63 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 7.9 | 5.1 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 6 | 4.9 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 19.5 | 25.6 | 17.2 | 25.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.4 | 20.7 | 16.75 | 21.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 6.9 | 3.6 | 5.4 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 19.5 | 15.4 | 14.8 | 17.7 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 71 | 112 | 10 | 154 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 74 | — |