Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Bombardier Global 5500 vs Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G400
The Bombardier Challenger 650 and Gulfstream G280 are typically grouped in the super‑midsize category, while the Bombardier Global 5500 and Gulfstream G400 sit in the large‑cabin/long‑range class. In range, the Challenger 650 is the shortest of the four at roughly 4,000 nautical miles, suitable for many transcontinental and some North Atlantic missions. The G280 generally reaches farther, around 3,600–3,900 nautical miles depending on assumptions, giving it strong U.S. coast‑to‑coast capability with good reserves. Stepping up, the Global 5500 is a true long‑range aircraft at about 5,900 nautical miles, enabling routes such as North America to much of Europe and deeper South America. The G400 is also long‑range, commonly cited around 4,200–4,800 nautical miles, positioned between the super‑midsize pair and the Global 5500. For passenger capacity, typical executive layouts place the Challenger 650 and G280 around 8–10 passengers, while the Global 5500 and G400 often seat about 10–14, with maximum certified counts higher depending on configuration.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Bombardier Global 5500 | Gulfstream G280 | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 9.49 | $ 6.57 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 14 | 10 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Gulfstream | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | Global 5500 | G280 | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 5900 | 3600 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.82 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | — | 15550 | 30650 |
| 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) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 504 | 481 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $46,000,000 | $24,900,000 | 34500000 |
| 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 | — |