Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G500
The Bombardier Challenger 650 and Gulfstream G280 are both super‑midsize business jets, while the Gulfstream G500 steps up into the large‑cabin, long‑range category. In range terms, the Challenger 650 is typically around 4,000 nautical miles, the G280 about 3,600 nautical miles, and the G500 roughly 5,300 nautical miles, making the G500 the clear choice for longer nonstop city pairs. Passenger capacity overlaps but trends upward with size: the Challenger 650 is commonly configured for about 9 to 12 passengers, the G280 typically seats about 8 to 10, and the G500 is often arranged for about 10 to 14. In practical terms, the Challenger 650 emphasizes cabin volume and comfort within the super‑midsize class, the G280 offers strong speed and efficiency for its segment, and the G500 provides a larger cabin and substantially more range for intercontinental‑leaning missions.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Gulfstream G280 | Gulfstream G500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 6.57 | $ 9.00 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Gulfstream | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | G280 | G500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 3600 | 5200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.82 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | 15550 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 8 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 3,168 | $ 4,644 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 481 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $24,900,000 | $47,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | Yes |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | 12 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | AFT | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.2 | 10.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 8 | 10 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 25000 | 31900 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 5800 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | HTF7250G | PW814GA |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | 10000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 15 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 7624 | 15144 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 66.9 | 91.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 63 | 86.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 6.9 | 7.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6.3 | 6.4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 25.9 | 41.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 21.4 | 25.5 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 5.4 | 6.1 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 17.7 | 26.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | 154 | 230 |