Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Bombardier Global 6500 vs Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G400 vs Gulfstream G650er
The Bombardier Challenger 650 and Gulfstream G280 are large-cabin/super‑midsize business jets suited to shorter long‑range missions than the intercontinental class. The Challenger 650 typically offers around 4,000 nautical miles of range with about 8–12 passengers in common layouts, while the G280 is similar in category with roughly 3,600 nautical miles and usually seats about 8–10. The Bombardier Global 6500 and Gulfstream G400 step into the long‑range large‑cabin category, designed for true transoceanic missions with higher comfort at altitude. The Global 6500 is generally around 6,600 nautical miles and commonly accommodates about 10–16. The G400 is positioned as a long‑range large‑cabin jet as well, with published range around 4,200 nautical miles and typical seating roughly 10–14. The Gulfstream G650ER is the ultra‑long‑range flagship class in this set, built for intercontinental city pairs. It delivers about 7,500 nautical miles of range and typically carries about 11–18 passengers depending on configuration.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Bombardier Global 6500 | Gulfstream G280 | Gulfstream G400 | Gulfstream G650ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 9.49 | $ 6.57 | — | $ 9.39 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 14 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Gulfstream | Gulfstream | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | Global 6500 | G280 | G400 | G650ER |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 6600 | 3600 | 4200 | 7500 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.82 | — | $ 0.78 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 17 | 10 | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | — | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | — | 15550 | 30650 | 49500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 8 | — | 12 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 4,895 | $ 3,168 | — | $ 4,844 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Bombardier Vision (Pro Line Fusion) | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck | Gulfstream PlaneView II (Primus Epic) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 504 | 481 | 539 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $56,000,000 | $24,900,000 | 34500000 | $60,000,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | 4 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | Yes | No | — | Yes |
| Jump Seat | Yes | Yes | No | — | Yes |
| Total Seats | 11 | 14 | 10 | — | 14 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | — | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 17 | 10 | — | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | FWD / AFT | AFT | — | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | — | 9.2 | — | 10.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | — | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 8 | — | 12 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | — | 25000 | — | 31900 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | Pearl | HTF7250G | — | BR725 A1-12 |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition | — | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | — | ISA + 17 | — | ISA + 15 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 15125 | 7624 | — | 16900 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 99.5 | 66.9 | — | 99.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 94 | 63 | — | 99.6 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — | 0.3 | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 8 | 6.9 | — | 8.2 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6.2 | 6.3 | — | 6.5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 43.3 | 25.9 | — | 46.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 25.5 | 21.4 | — | 25.7 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | — | 5.4 | — | 6.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | — | 17.7 | — | 32.7 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | — | 154 | — | 235 |