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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.

SpecBombardier Challenger 650Bombardier Global 5500Gulfstream G280Gulfstream G400
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 7.16$ 9.49$ 6.57
Min Crew2224
Total Seats11141012
ManufacturerBombardierBombardierGulfstreamGulfstream
Aircraft NameChallenger 650Global 5500G280G400
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)4085590036004200
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.80$ 0.79$ 0.82
Max Cabin Seats12161019
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)210501555030650
Standard Cabin Seats9128
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,365$ 4,895$ 3,168
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedBombardier Vision (Pro Line Fusion)Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion)Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)470504481539
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$32,400,000$46,000,000$24,900,00034500000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Lavatory2 Enclosed Flushing2 Enclosed Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Min Crew222
Crew RestYesNoNo
Jump SeatYesYesNo
Total Seats111410
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats121610
Lavatory LocationFWD / AFTFWD / AFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.89.2
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats9128
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2300025000
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)5800
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelCF34-3B MTOPearlHTF7250G
TBO (hrs)On-ConditionOn-ConditionOn-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 15ISA + 17
Thrust (lbs)9220151257624
No. of Engines222
Dimensions
Length (ft)68.49666.9
Wingspan (ft)64.49463
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor0.3
Cabin Width (ft)7.986.9
Cabin Height (ft)66.26.3
Cabin Length (ft)25.640.825.9
Overall Height (ft)20.725.521.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)6.95.4
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)15.417.7
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)112154