Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Embraer Legacy 500 vs Gulfstream G400 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Bombardier Challenger 650 is a large-cabin super‑midsize jet aimed at comfortable long business legs, typically seating about 8–12 passengers with a range around 4,000 nautical miles. The Embraer Legacy 500 is a super‑midsize jet in a similar mission set but generally a step shorter in range, commonly configured for about 8–12 passengers and flying roughly 3,100 nautical miles. The Gulfstream G400 is a new long‑range large‑cabin jet positioned above the others for intercontinental capability, typically accommodating about 10–14 passengers with an advertised range around 4,200 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light jet designed for versatility and short/rough‑field access rather than pure range, usually carrying about 6–10 passengers with a range around 2,000 nautical miles. Overall, PC‑24 prioritizes access and flexibility, Legacy 500 emphasizes modern super‑midsize performance, Challenger 650 focuses on spacious cabin comfort and strong range, and G400 targets the longest legs and highest large‑cabin capability of the group.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Embraer Legacy 500 | Gulfstream G400 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 6.74 | — | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | 12 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Embraer | Gulfstream | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | Legacy 500 | G400 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 3153 | 4200 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.84 | — | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | — | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | 14837 | 30650 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 | — | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 3,141 | — | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 481 | 539 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $20,000,000 | 34500000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | — | 1 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No | — | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | — | No |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | — | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 | — | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | AFT | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.7 | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 | — | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 27140 | — | 23500 |
| Connectivity | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 6000 | — | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | HTF7500E | — | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | — | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 | — | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 7036 | — | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 1441 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 1963 | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 68.1 | — | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 66.5 | — | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 6.8 | — | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | — | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 24.1 | — | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 21.2 | — | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 4.7 | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 21.3 | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | 45 | — | 90 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 110 | — | — |