Boeing Bbj 787 vs Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Gulfstream G400
The Boeing BBJ 787 is in a different category from the other two: it is a widebody VIP airliner (VVIP/head‑of‑state class) designed for intercontinental travel with very large cabin volume. Depending on configuration it can carry dozens of passengers—often far more than a typical business jet, with layouts ranging from high-comfort VIP arrangements to higher-density executive seating—while offering ultra-long-range capability generally around the mid‑7,000 to 8,000+ nautical mile class. The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is a super‑midsize business jet optimized for efficient regional-to-transcontinental missions. It typically seats about 8 to 10 passengers in standard executive layouts and offers roughly 3,400 nautical miles of range. The Gulfstream G400 sits in the large-cabin business jet category, positioned above super‑midsize jets in cabin size and capability. It commonly accommodates around 10 to 12 passengers and targets about 4,200 nautical miles of range, bridging transcontinental missions with more space and speed than the Challenger while remaining far smaller and less “airliner-like” than the BBJ 787.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | 34500000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | — |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | — |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | — |
| Galley Location | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | — |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | — |
| Model | HTF73500 | — |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | — |