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Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Gulfstream G280

The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream G280 sit in the “super-midsize” category, while the Cessna Citation XLS+ is typically considered a “midsize” jet. In practical terms, the Challenger 3500 and G280 generally offer more cabin volume and longer legs than the XLS+. On range, the Challenger 3500 is typically quoted around 3,400 nautical miles, the Citation XLS+ around 2,100 nautical miles, and the Gulfstream G280 around 3,600 nautical miles, making the G280 the longest-legged of the three and the XLS+ best suited to shorter missions. For passenger capacity, all can be configured for roughly eight to ten passengers, but their “comfortable” use differs: the XLS+ is commonly arranged for about 8–9 in a midsize cabin, while the Challenger 3500 and G280 more often seat 8–10 with greater space and amenities. Overall, choose the XLS+ for efficient midsize missions, the Challenger 3500 for a balanced super-midsize cabin and range, and the G280 when maximum super-midsize range is the priority.

SpecBombardier Challenger 3500Cessna Citation XLS+Gulfstream G280
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.71$ 5.34$ 6.57
Min Crew222
Total Seats101010
ManufacturerBombardierCessna CitationGulfstream
Aircraft NameChallenger 3500XLS+G280
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)340019063600
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.84$ 0.67$ 0.82
Max Cabin Seats10910
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)15950754015550
Standard Cabin Seats888
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,152$ 2,303$ 3,168
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedRockwell Collins Pro Line 21Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)533430481
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$26,950,000$15,500,000$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 Seats10910
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.89.39.2
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats888
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)233382523025000
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)5800
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelHTF73500PW545CHTF7250G
TBO (hrs)On-Condition5000On-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 15ISA + 10ISA + 17
Thrust (lbs)732341197624
No. of Engines222
Dimensions
Length (ft)68.752.566.9
Wingspan (ft)6956.363
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor0.70.3
Cabin Width (ft)7.25.56.9
Cabin Height (ft)65.76.3
Cabin Length (ft)25.218.525.9
Overall Height (ft)2017.221.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)5.13.95.4
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.614.317.7
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)10610154
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)80