AIR.ONE

Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Embraer Praetor 500 vs Gulfstream G280

All three are super-midsize business jets aimed at similar missions, but they emphasize different strengths. The Bombardier Challenger 3500 sits firmly in the super-midsize category and is typically configured for about eight to ten passengers, with a long range in the roughly 3,000–3,400 nautical mile class, making it well suited to transcontinental U.S. flying and many North Atlantic edge routes with favorable conditions. The Embraer Praetor 500 is also a super-midsize jet, generally seating eight to nine passengers, and offers a similar range band (around the low‑to‑mid 3,000 nautical miles), often marketed for efficient long legs with strong cabin comfort for its size. The Gulfstream G280 is likewise a super-midsize aircraft, usually arranged for eight to ten passengers, and typically leads this trio on range at about 3,600 nautical miles, giving it more flexibility for longer city pairs and reserves. In short, all carry similar passenger loads, while the G280 tends to provide the longest reach.

SpecBombardier Challenger 3500Embraer Praetor 500Gulfstream G280
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.71$ 6.02$ 6.57
Min Crew222
Total Seats10910
ManufacturerBombardierEmbraerGulfstream
Aircraft NameChallenger 3500Praetor 500G280
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)340033403600
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.84$ 0.86$ 0.82
Max Cabin Seats10910
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)1595015550
Standard Cabin Seats878
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,152$ 2,779$ 3,168
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedRockwell Collins Pro Line FusionGulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)533466481
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$26,950,000$16,995,000$24,900,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Min Crew222
Crew RestNoNoNo
Jump SeatYesNoNo
Total Seats10910
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats10910
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.89.79.2
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats878
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)233382711025000
ConnectivityGogo AVANCE L5
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)58005800
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelHTF73500HTF7500EHTF7250G
TBO (hrs)On-ConditionOn-ConditionOn-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 15ISA + 18ISA + 17
Thrust (lbs)732365407624
No. of Engines222
Dimensions
Length (ft)68.764.666.9
Wingspan (ft)6970.563
Aisle Step (ft)Flat FloorFlat Floor0.3
Cabin Width (ft)7.26.96.9
Cabin Height (ft)666.3
Cabin Length (ft)25.220.625.9
Overall Height (ft)2021.121.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)5.14.75.4
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.617.417.7
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)10640154
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)110