Cessna Citation X vs Gulfstream G280
The Citation X (super-mid, ~528 kt — fastest civil jet) and G280 (super-mid, ~482 kt, ~3,600 nm) are direct super-mid competitors with very different DNA — the X is the speed king; the G280 is the longest-range, quietest-cabin super-mid.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation X
- For sale now
- 29
- Model years available
- 1997–2017
Gulfstream G280
- For sale now
- 21
- Model years available
- 2012–2024
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation X | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,122,500 – $10,827,500 | $12,119,000 – $21,590,000 |
| Category | Super-Midsize Jet | Super-Midsize Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 12 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 480 kts (889 km/h) | 459 kts (850 km/h) |
| Range | 3,070 nm (5,686 km) | 3,600 nm (6,667 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 36,100 lbs (16,375 kg) | 39,600 lbs (17,963 kg) |
| Useful Load | 6,800 lbs (3,084 kg) | 10,500 lbs (4,763 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,050.0 gal (3974 L) | 1,200.0 gal (4542 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 260.0 GPH (984 L/h) | 240.0 GPH (908 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $600,000 | $550,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $500,000 | $450,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $3,800 | $3,200 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation X
Fuel$1,430/hr
Variable$3,800/hr
Annual Fixed$500,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,260,000/yr
Gulfstream G280
Fuel$1,320/hr
Variable$3,200/hr
Annual Fixed$450,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,090,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation X or Gulfstream G280?
Bottom line: Choose the G280 for class-leading range, the Gulfstream cabin (quieter, lower altitude) and modern PlaneView. Choose the Citation X for outright speed and the unique fastest- civil-jet identity.
Pick the Citation X if…
- Budget matters — from $4,122,500 vs $12,119,000, you save ~$7,996,500.
- More seats — 12 vs 10.
- Faster cruise — 480 kts vs 459 kts.
- More inventory — 30 listings vs 22.
Pick the G280 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$3200/hr vs $3800/hr.
- Longer range — 3600 nm vs 3070 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2012 vs 1996.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Citation X and Gulfstream G280?
Speed versus range and brand. The Citation X (Rolls-Royce AE3007C1, ~525 kt, ~3,000 nm, nine seats) is the speed record holder for certified jets. The Gulfstream G280 (Honeywell HTF7250G, ~482 kt, ~3,600 nm, up to ten seats) is Gulfstream's super-midsize offering — slower than the X but with more range and the Gulfstream brand standard. Speed versus range, pedigree, and cabin.
Citation X or G280 — which large-cabin jet?
Buy the Citation X if 525 kt is the defining requirement and 3,000 nm range is sufficient. Buy the G280 if Gulfstream's brand, wider cabin, more range (3,600 nm), and ten-seat capacity are priorities — accepting a speed trade. The G280's Gulfstream pedigree and range advantage are its selling points; the X's speed is its.
How much faster is the Citation X in practice?
Roughly 43 kt saves about 5 minutes per 400 nm; on a 2,000-nm leg, roughly 20 minutes. At this aircraft level, the G280's brand premium, cabin standard, and ~600 nm range advantage often outweigh 20 minutes per leg.
How do specs compare?
Citation X: two Rolls-Royce AE3007C1, nine seats, ~525 kt, ~3,000 nm. G280: two Honeywell HTF7250G, up to ten seats, ~482 kt, ~3,600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Citation X's large AE3007C1 engines burn more fuel per hour at 525 kt than the G280 at 482 kt. Per-nm costs converge due to the X's speed. Gulfstream's premium brand typically commands higher charter and resale value.
Which should I buy?
Citation X for maximum cruise speed in a large-cabin jet. G280 for Gulfstream brand pedigree, 3,600 nm range, and a wider cabin when range and prestige outweigh a speed advantage.
Which is better, Cessna Citation X or Gulfstream G280?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation X cruises at 480 kts with 3,070 nm range.
The G280 cruises at 459 kts with 3,600 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation X and Gulfstream G280?
Citation X engine: ROLLS-ROYCE AE3007C.
Seats: 12 vs 10.
Cruise: 480 vs 459 kts.
Range: 3070 vs 3600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation X: about $3800/hr variable cost.
G280: about $3200/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Citation X: 12 seats / 6,800 lb useful load.
G280: 10 seats / 10,500 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Citation X: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$600,000.
G280: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$550,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data