Gulfstream G500 vs Gulfstream G280
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 G500 | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $41,500,000 – $47,950,000 | $11,900,000 – $22,750,000 |
| Category | Large Cabin Jet | Super-Midsize Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 19 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 488 kts (904 km/h) | 459 kts (850 km/h) |
| Range | 5,200 nm (9,630 km) | 3,600 nm (6,667 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 79,600 lbs (36,107 kg) | 39,600 lbs (17,963 kg) |
| Useful Load | 25,000 lbs (11,340 kg) | 10,500 lbs (4,763 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5,100.0 gal (19304 L) | 1,200.0 gal (4542 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 340.0 GPH (1287 L/h) | 240.0 GPH (908 L/h) |
| TBO | 7,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $1,200,000 | $550,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $800,000 | $450,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $5,200 | $3,200 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateGulfstream G500
Fuel$1,870/hr
Variable$5,200/hr
Annual Fixed$800,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,840,000/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: Gulfstream G500 or Gulfstream G280?
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 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.
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 17.
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 G500 or Gulfstream G280?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The G500 cruises at 488 kts with 5,200 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?
Gulfstream G500: from $47,950,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G280?
Seats: 19 vs 10.
Cruise: 488 vs 459 kts.
Range: 5200 vs 3600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
G500: about $5200/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?
G500: 19 seats / 25,000 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?
G500: 7,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$1,200,000.
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