Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G550

Putting the G280 and G550 in the same comparison frame reveals how wide the Gulfstream family stretches. The G280 is a purpose-built super-midsize announced in 2012 — ten passengers, Honeywell HTF7250G engines, and 3,600 nm range — Gulfstream's answer to the growing super-midsize category that Bombardier's Challenger 300 and Cessna's Sovereign had carved out. The G550 is the ultra-long-range flagship-class Gulfstream, introduced in 2003 with BMW Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, 6,750 nm range, and a 14–16 passenger cabin that defines large-cabin business aviation. The cross-shop happens when a buyer can afford both and asks whether the range delta justifies a significant price premium.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Gulfstream G280
For sale now
21
Model years available
2012–2024
Gulfstream G550
For sale now
56
Model years available
1997–2020

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

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Gulfstream G280 Gulfstream G550
Gulfstream G280
View 22 listings →
Median $12,995,000
 Gulfstream G550
View 55 listings →
Median $22,400,000
Price Range $12,119,000 – $21,590,000 $11,105,000 – $33,695,000
Category Super-Midsize Jet Large Cabin Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 10 18
Cruise Speed 459 kts (850 km/h) 488 kts (904 km/h)
Range 3,600 nm (6,667 km) 6,750 nm (12,501 km)
Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (13,716 m) 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Max Gross Weight 39,600 lbs (17,963 kg) 91,000 lbs (41,278 kg)
Useful Load 10,500 lbs (4,763 kg) 27,500 lbs (12,474 kg)
Fuel Capacity 1,200.0 gal (4542 L) 6,078.0 gal (23005 L)
Fuel Burn 240.0 GPH (908 L/h) 380.0 GPH (1438 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 7,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $550,000 $1,300,000
Annual Fixed $450,000 $900,000
Hourly Variable $3,200 $5,500
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Gulfstream G280

Fuel$1,320/hr
Variable$3,200/hr
Annual Fixed$450,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $1,090,000/yr

Gulfstream G550

Fuel$2,090/hr
Variable$5,500/hr
Annual Fixed$900,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $2,000,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Gulfstream G280 or Gulfstream G550?

Bottom line: Choose the G280 for a modern, purpose-built super-midsize with lower acquisition cost, lower operating cost, and a cabin that handles typical domestic and transatlantic missions with six to eight passengers comfortably. The G280's modern engines and avionics (PlaneView 280) are significantly more contemporary than the G550's 2003-era design. Choose the G550 for range — and everything that range unlocks. The G550's 6,750 nm opens New York to Tokyo, Los Angeles to Sydney, and truly global routing that the G280 at 3,600 nm cannot cover without fuel stops. For operators who regularly fly transpacific or ultra-long missions, the G550 is not a luxury, it's a capability requirement. Safety axis: both aircraft are twin-engine FAR Part 25 certified jets with Gulfstream PlaneView-generation avionics; the G550's longitudinal experience (in service since 2003) means a more proven maintenance record, while the G280 reflects newer design standards. No meaningful safety differential for operations within each aircraft's rated envelope.

Pick the G280 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$3200/hr vs $5500/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 2012 vs 2003.

Pick the G550 if…

  • Budget matters — from $11,105,000 vs $12,119,000, you save ~$1,014,000.
  • More seats — 18 vs 10.
  • Faster cruise — 488 kts vs 459 kts.
  • Longer range — 6750 nm vs 3600 nm.
  • More inventory — 55 listings vs 22.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines does the Gulfstream G280 use?
The G280 is powered by two Honeywell HTF7250G turbofan engines, rated at 6,405 lbf each — newer-generation engines that Gulfstream selected for the G280's efficiency and performance at altitude. The G550 uses two BMW Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofans at 15,385 lbf each — more than twice the thrust of the G280's engines, reflecting the G550's much higher gross weight and longer-range mission.
How many passengers can each aircraft carry?
The G280 typically seats nine to ten passengers in a wide-body-inspired cabin with 6-foot stand-up headroom. The G550 seats up to sixteen passengers in a dual-zone cabin configuration with forward stateroom available — one of the largest cabins in the super-large segment. For operators where passenger count and in-flight productivity matter on long routes, the G550's cabin is a working environment; the G280 is a capable but tighter alternative.
Is the Gulfstream G550 still in production?
No. Gulfstream ceased G550 production in 2021, with the aircraft replaced in Gulfstream's lineup by the G600 (which itself descended from the G500 platform family, not the G550 lineage — despite the confusing numbering). Pre-owned G550s remain in high demand globally; the G550's range, reputation, and large fleet size make it one of the most liquid assets in the pre-owned large-cabin jet market.
Which is better, Gulfstream G280 or Gulfstream G550?
It depends on your mission and budget. The G280 cruises at 459 kts with 3,600 nm range. The G550 cruises at 488 kts with 6,750 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 G550?
Seats: 10 vs 18. Cruise: 459 vs 488 kts. Range: 3600 vs 6750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
G280: about $3200/hr variable cost. G550: about $5500/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. G550: 18 seats / 27,500 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?
G280: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$550,000. G550: 7,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$1,300,000. 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