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Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Cessna Citation Longitude vs Gulfstream G280

The Bombardier Challenger 3500, Cessna Citation Longitude, and Gulfstream G280 all sit in the super‑midsize business jet category, but they emphasize slightly different strengths. The Challenger 3500 is typically positioned as a super‑midsize jet optimized for comfortable North America missions, offering roughly 3,400 nautical miles of range and commonly seating about 8 to 10 passengers in a typical executive layout. The Citation Longitude is also a super‑midsize jet, generally delivering a bit more reach at around 3,500 nautical miles and usually accommodating about 8 to 12 passengers depending on configuration. The Gulfstream G280 is likewise a super‑midsize jet, but it is often viewed as the range leader among the three, at roughly 3,600 nautical miles, with typical seating around 8 to 10 passengers. In practical terms, all three can handle coast‑to‑coast U.S. missions with reserves under many conditions, while the G280 and Longitude tend to offer slightly more flexibility on longer city pairs than the Challenger 3500, depending on payload and winds.

SpecBombardier Challenger 3500Cessna Citation LongitudeGulfstream G280
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.71$ 5.23$ 6.57
Min Crew222
Total Seats101010
ManufacturerBombardierCessna CitationGulfstream
Aircraft NameChallenger 3500LongitudeG280
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA CertifiedFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)340035003600
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.84$ 0.65$ 0.82
Max Cabin Seats101010
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)1595015550
Standard Cabin Seats888
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,152$ 2,500$ 3,168
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedGarmin G5000Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)533481481
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$26,950,000$29,965,000$24,900,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Min Crew222
Crew RestNoNoNo
Jump SeatYesNoNo
Total Seats101010
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats101210
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.89.79.2
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats888
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)233382540025000
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)5800
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelHTF73500HTF7700LHTF7250G
TBO (hrs)On-ConditionOn-ConditionOn-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 15ISA + 19ISA + 17
Thrust (lbs)732376657624
No. of Engines222
Fuel Burn (lbph)1478
Dimensions
Length (ft)68.773.266.9
Wingspan (ft)6968.963
Aisle Step (ft)Flat FloorFlat Floor0.3
Cabin Width (ft)7.26.46.9
Cabin Height (ft)666.3
Cabin Length (ft)25.225.225.9
Overall Height (ft)2019.421.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)5.14.15.4
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.616.517.7
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)106112154