Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Bombardier Global 5500 vs Gulfstream G280
The Bombardier Challenger 650 and Gulfstream G280 are typically grouped as super‑midsize business jets, while the Bombardier Global 5500 is a larger, long‑range jet in the large/ultra‑long‑range category. In range, the Challenger 650 is suited to transcontinental missions at roughly 4,000 nautical miles, the G280 generally reaches a bit farther at about 3,600–3,900 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves, and the Global 5500 is in a different league with around 5,900 nautical miles, enabling more true intercontinental city pairs. For passenger capacity, all three commonly fly with 8–10 passengers in typical corporate layouts, but maximum certified seating differs: the Challenger 650 is usually up to about 12, the G280 up to about 10, and the Global 5500 up to about 16, with the larger cabin also offering more distinct living zones and more room for longer-duration comfort.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Bombardier Global 5500 | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 9.49 | $ 6.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 14 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | Global 5500 | G280 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 5900 | 3600 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.82 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | — | 15550 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 4,895 | $ 3,168 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Bombardier Vision (Pro Line Fusion) | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 504 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $46,000,000 | $24,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 11 | 14 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | FWD / AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | — | 9.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | — | 25000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | Pearl | HTF7250G |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | — | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 15125 | 7624 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 96 | 66.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 94 | 63 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — | 0.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 8 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6.2 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 40.8 | 25.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 25.5 | 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 |