Bombardier Challenger 350 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Gulfstream G280
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream G280 sit in the super‑midsize category, while the Bombardier Challenger 650 is a larger, heavy‑jet class aircraft with a noticeably bigger cabin. On range, the G280 generally leads this group at about 3,600 nautical miles, giving it the strongest nonstop city‑pair flexibility. The Challenger 3500 is close behind at roughly 3,400 nautical miles, offering transcontinental U.S. capability and many North Atlantic missions with favorable conditions. The Challenger 650 typically provides around 4,000 nautical miles, extending reach beyond both super‑midsize competitors and enabling more consistent longer international sectors. Passenger capacity is similar in typical executive layouts, but differs at the margins. The Challenger 3500 and G280 commonly seat about 8 to 10 passengers in comfort, with maximum configurations around the mid‑teens depending on interior choices. The Challenger 650 usually carries 10 to 12 comfortably, with a higher maximum (often up to around 16), benefiting from its wider, longer cabin and greater baggage volume.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 6.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | G280 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 3600 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.82 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | 15550 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 3,168 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $24,900,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 25000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 5800 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | HTF7250G |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 7624 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 66.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 63 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 25.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 21.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 5.4 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 17.7 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | 154 |