Gulfstream G550 vs Gulfstream G280

The Gulfstream G280 (super-mid, ~3,600 nm) and G550 (ultra-long-range, ~6,750 nm) are very different aircraft — the G280 is super-mid with twin Honeywell HTF7250G; the G550 is the intercontinental flagship.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Gulfstream G550
For sale now
56
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
24
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1997–2020
Gulfstream G280
For sale now
21
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
13
Source marketplaces
7
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

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Gulfstream G550 Gulfstream G280
Gulfstream G550
View 52 listings →
Median $22,400,000
View 21 listings →
Median $12,995,000
Price Range $11,105,000 – $33,695,000 $12,119,000 – $21,590,000
Category Large Cabin Jet Super-Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 18 10
Cruise Speed 488 kts (904 km/h) 459 kts (850 km/h)
Range 6,750 nm (12,501 km) 3,600 nm (6,667 km)
Service Ceiling 51,000 ft (15,545 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 91,000 lbs (41,278 kg) 39,600 lbs (17,963 kg)
Useful Load 27,500 lbs (12,474 kg) 10,500 lbs (4,763 kg)
Fuel Capacity 6,078.0 gal (23005 L) 1,200.0 gal (4542 L)
Fuel Burn 380.0 GPH (1438 L/h) 240.0 GPH (908 L/h)
TBO 7,000 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $1,300,000 $550,000
Annual Fixed $900,000 $450,000
Hourly Variable $5,500 $3,200
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Gulfstream G550

Fuel$2,090/hr
Variable$5,500/hr
Annual Fixed$900,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $2,000,000/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 G550 or Gulfstream G280?

Bottom line: Choose the G280 for super-mid economics. Step up to the G550 only when you need genuine intercontinental nonstop range and the largest Gulfstream cabin — at multiples of G280 cost.

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 — 52 listings vs 21.

Pick the G280 if…

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

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 G550 or Gulfstream G280?
It depends on your mission and budget. The G550 cruises at 488 kts with 6,750 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 Gulfstream G550 and Gulfstream G280?
Seats: 18 vs 10. Cruise: 488 vs 459 kts. Range: 6750 vs 3600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
G550: about $5500/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?
G550: 18 seats / 27,500 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?
G550: 7,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$1,300,000. 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