Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G450

The Gulfstream G280 and the G450 both carry the Gulfstream name, but they arrived from different engineering origins and address different missions. The G280 (2012 certification) was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries as the G250 — a super-midsize jet with Honeywell HTF7250G engines and a design independent from the classic Gulfstream lineage. Gulfstream acquired rights to the program and certified it as the G280, producing a contemporary aircraft with efficient turbofan economics, modern avionics, and approximately 3,600 nm range in a cabin sized for eight passengers. The G450 (2004) is a classic Gulfstream large-cabin aircraft — Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8C engines, fourteen to nineteen passengers in a wide, stand-up cabin, and transatlantic range well beyond the G280's. The cross-shop occurs at the boundary of super-midsize and large-cabin, where the question is whether the G450's cabin and range justify its operating costs over the more economical G280.

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 G450
For sale now
36
Median asking
$9,995,000
Range
$3,944,760–$16,222,750
Model years available
2004–2017

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 G450
Gulfstream G280
View 22 listings →
Median $12,995,000
Gulfstream G450
View 36 listings →
Median $9,995,000
Price Range $12,119,000 – $21,590,000 $3,944,760 – $16,222,750
Category Super-Midsize Jet Large Cabin Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 10 16
Cruise Speed 459 kts (850 km/h) 476 kts (882 km/h)
Range 3,600 nm (6,667 km) 4,350 nm (8,056 km)
Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (13,716 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 39,600 lbs (17,963 kg) 74,600 lbs (33,839 kg)
Useful Load 10,500 lbs (4,763 kg) 22,000 lbs (9,979 kg)
Fuel Capacity 1,200.0 gal (4542 L) 4,370.0 gal (16540 L)
Fuel Burn 240.0 GPH (908 L/h) 340.0 GPH (1287 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 6,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $550,000 $700,000
Annual Fixed $450,000 $600,000
Hourly Variable $3,200 $3,600
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 G450

Fuel$1,870/hr
Variable$3,600/hr
Annual Fixed$600,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $1,320,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Gulfstream G280 or Gulfstream G450?

Bottom line: Choose the G280 for super-midsize economics and contemporary avionics — the Honeywell HTF7250G engines are modern designs with solid efficiency, and the G280's lighter weight keeps per-hour costs meaningfully below the G450. For eight or fewer passengers on missions under approximately 3,500 nm, the G280 does the job without the G450's fuel burn and maintenance overhead. Choose the G450 when the cabin defines the mission — the G450's stand-up cabin, flat floor, and larger passenger volume deliver a different experience than the G280, and its range enables transatlantic operations the G280 cannot cover with a full payload. Safety axis: both types require Gulfstream type ratings at an approved training facility. The G450's Rolls-Royce Tay engines have an exceptional in-service reliability record over two decades of operation, and the G450's large fleet provides deep MRO access worldwide. The G280's shorter production history means a smaller fleet and somewhat less independent MRO infrastructure; Gulfstream-authorized service is more important for G280 support than for the established G450 platform.

Pick the G280 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$3200/hr vs $3600/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 2012 vs 2004.

Pick the G450 if…

  • Budget matters — from $3,944,760 vs $12,119,000, you save ~$8,174,240.
  • More seats — 16 vs 10.
  • Faster cruise — 476 kts vs 459 kts.
  • Longer range — 4350 nm vs 3600 nm.
  • More inventory — 36 listings vs 22.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the G280 developed by Gulfstream?
Not originally. The G280 was designed and is manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Israel, under a program that began as the G250 under a Gulfstream marketing agreement. Gulfstream handles sales and customer support in the Americas and other regions. The aircraft carries Gulfstream certification and branding, but it is a fundamentally different design lineage from Gulfstream's own internally developed large-cabin aircraft like the G450, G550, and G650.
How much range does the G450 have compared to the G280?
The G450 substantially outranges the G280. The G450 is capable of transatlantic operations — approximately 4,350 nm range with standard payload — while the G280 achieves approximately 3,600 nm. In practical terms, the G450 can fly New York to London nonstop with a real load; the G280 covers most North American and regional international missions but not the longest transatlantic routes. Buyers with genuine transatlantic or Pacific routing needs should evaluate this gap carefully.
Is the G450 still in production?
No. Gulfstream discontinued the G450 as the G500 program came online — the G500 (2018 certification, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA/816GA engines) replaced the G450 with a new airframe. The G450 is now a mature preowned aircraft with no new production. Gulfstream continues to support the G450 fleet through its global service network; the large fleet ensures parts availability and MRO competition for years to come.
Which is better, Gulfstream G280 or Gulfstream G450?
It depends on your mission and budget. The G280 cruises at 459 kts with 3,600 nm range. The G450 cruises at 476 kts with 4,350 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Gulfstream G450: from $9,950,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Gulfstream G280 and Gulfstream G450?
Seats: 10 vs 16. Cruise: 459 vs 476 kts. Range: 3600 vs 4350 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
G280: about $3200/hr variable cost. G450: about $3600/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. G450: 16 seats / 22,000 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. G450: 6,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$700,000. 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