Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G500
The Gulfstream G280 (super-mid, ~3,600 nm) and G500 (large heavy, ~5,300 nm) are different- class aircraft — the G280 is super-mid; the G500 is the modern fly-by-wire large-cabin Gulfstream that replaced the G450.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Gulfstream G280 | Gulfstream G500 |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | $11,900,000 – $22,750,000 | $41,500,000 – $47,950,000 |
| Category | Super-Midsize Jet | Large Cabin Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 19 |
| Cruise Speed | 459 kts (850 km/h) | 488 kts (904 km/h) |
| Range | 3,600 nm (6,667 km) | 5,200 nm (9,630 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 39,600 lbs (17,963 kg) | 79,600 lbs (36,107 kg) |
| Useful Load | 10,500 lbs (4,763 kg) | 25,000 lbs (11,340 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,200.0 gal (4542 L) | 5,100.0 gal (19304 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 240.0 GPH (908 L/h) | 340.0 GPH (1287 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 7,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $550,000 | $1,200,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $450,000 | $800,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $3,200 | $5,200 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateGulfstream G280
Fuel$1,320/hr
Variable$3,200/hr
Annual Fixed$450,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,090,000/yr
Gulfstream G500
Fuel$1,870/hr
Variable$5,200/hr
Annual Fixed$800,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,840,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Gulfstream G280 or Gulfstream G500?
Bottom line: Choose the G280 for super-mid economics. Step up to the G500 for the modern fly-by- wire heavy cabin, ~5,300 nm range and the segment-defining new Gulfstream — at much higher cost.
Pick the G280 if…
- Budget matters — from $11,900,000 vs $41,500,000, you save ~$29,600,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$3200/hr vs $5200/hr.
- More inventory — 23 listings vs 16.
Pick the G500 if…
- More seats — 19 vs 10.
- Faster cruise — 488 kts vs 459 kts.
- Longer range — 5200 nm vs 3600 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2018 vs 2012.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Gulfstream G280 or Gulfstream G500?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The G280 cruises at 459 kts with 3,600 nm range.
The G500 cruises at 488 kts with 5,200 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 Gulfstream G280 and Gulfstream G500?
Seats: 10 vs 19.
Cruise: 459 vs 488 kts.
Range: 3600 vs 5200 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
G280: about $3200/hr variable cost.
G500: about $5200/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?
G280: 10 seats / 10,500 lb useful load.
G500: 19 seats / 25,000 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?
G280: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$550,000.
G500: 7,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$1,200,000.
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