Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Gulfstream G280 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream G280 sit in the super‑midsize category, offering the most cabin space and comfort of this group. The Challenger 3500 typically flies about 3,400 nautical miles and is usually configured for around 8–10 passengers, while the G280 is similar in cabin class with roughly 3,600 nautical miles of range and typically 8–10 passengers. The Embraer Phenom 300E is a light jet, optimized for efficiency and short-to-mid missions; it generally offers about 2,000 nautical miles of range and commonly seats 6–9, depending on layout. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light jet often positioned as a “super versatile” light jet due to its rugged capability and ability to use shorter or unpaved runways; it typically ranges around 2,000 nautical miles and is often configured for about 6–8 passengers (with higher-density layouts possible). Overall, for longest nonstop missions and most space, the G280 and Challenger 3500 lead; for lighter-duty, cost-efficient travel, the Phenom 300E stands out; for access and flexibility, the PC‑24 is distinctive.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Gulfstream G280 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 3.88 | $ 6.57 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Embraer | Gulfstream | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Phenom 300E | G280 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 2,010 | 3600 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.82 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 6914 | 15550 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 1,758 | $ 3,168 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 464 | 481 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $9,650,000 | $24,900,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 9 | 10 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 25560 | 25000 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | Canada PW535E1 | HTF7250G | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 3360 | 7624 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 757 | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 51.2 | 66.9 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 52.16 | 63 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.3 | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 5.1 | 6.9 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 4.9 | 6.3 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 17.2 | 25.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 16.75 | 21.4 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 3.6 | 5.4 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 14.8 | 17.7 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 10 | 154 | 90 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | — | — |