The Bombardier Challenger 350 and the Gulfstream G280 are the entry level jets for both manufacturers. Note that for Bombardier this statement applies from the end of 2021, when the Learjet lineup of aircraft ends production.
These aircraft are have a number of similarities. However, they are fundamentally different, with the G280 ultimately providing greater mission flexibility.
Performance
The Bombardier Challenger 350 is powered by two Honeywell HTF7350 turbofan engines. Each engine can produce up to 7,323 lbs of thrust. This allows the Challenger 350 to cruise at a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet.
On the other hand the Gulfstream G280 is powered by two Honeywell HTF7250G engines. Each engine is capable of producing up to 7,624 lbs of thrust. And, just like the Challenger, it is capable of cruising at a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet.
However, given that the G280 is part of the Gulfstream family, it is fast. Not as fast as the rest of its family but fast for its size. An interesting side note, the G280 isn’t actually produced by Gulfstream. Rather it is manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and sold under the Gulfstream name.
In terms of maximum cruise speed, the G280 easily outperforms the Challenger. The G280 has a maximum cruise speed of 482 knots versus a maximum cruise speed of 448 knots for the Challenger 350.
Range
When it comes to range, the G280 once again dominates the Challenger 350. You can visualize each aircrafts range using this map.
The Gulfstream G280 has a maximum range of 3,600 nautical miles. This results in a 400 nautical mile advantage over the Challenger 350.
If you have read our other comparisons of the Challenger 350 (e.g. versus the Praetor 600, Legacy 500, Latitude or Longitude), you will know that the Challenger 350’s range allows it to fly from New York to London.
While the Challenger 350 will run out of fuel by the time it gets to London, the G280 is theoretically able to keep going until it gets to Prague. However, please note that these range figures are in optimal weather conditions with a low payload. Therefore, it is unlikely that these figures are attainable during a typical flight.
Consequently, this difference in range is even more important in the world if you wish to fly over the Atlantic. The G280 provides are greater margin of safety. The Challenger 350 can just about fly from New York to London. However, the cushion of fuel is far less than that of the G280.
Ultimately, this difference in range will be the deciding factor between these aircraft for many customers. A greater range results in greater mission flexibility. Additionally, a greater range results in greater peace of mind when flying over oceans.
Ground Performance
Despite being able to fly faster and further than the Challenger 350, the G280 can also take off in a shorter distance. But only just.
The Gulfstream G280 has a minimum take off distance of 4,750 feet. Whereas the Bombardier Challenger 350 requires at least 4,835 feet to get in the sky.
Ultimately, it is unlikely that there will be situation in which the G280 can operate at an airport that the Challenger 350 can’t. Rather, it highlights the impressive engineering that allows a larger, more capable aircraft to take off in less distance than the Challenger.
However, things change when looking at the minimum landing distance of these aircraft. The Challenger 350 can land in a minimum of 2,364 feet. The G280, on the other hand, requires at least 2,720 feet to come to a complete stop.
Interior Dimensions
The most significant difference in the cabin dimensions between these two aircraft comes down to length. The G280 has an interior length of 9.83 meters while the Challenger 350 cabin ends after 7.68 meters.
In terms of width the Challenger 350 just about wins with a width of 2.19 meters to the 2.11 meters of the G280. Clearly the Challenger 350 has a wide cabin (see it versus the Praetor 600, Legacy 500, Latitude, Longitude or Challenger 650).
Height is virtually identical, with the G280 providing 2 centimeters more headroom than the Challenger.
Despite the greater interior size of the G280, both aircraft have the same maximum passenger capacity. Both the Challenger 350 and G280 can carry up to 10 passengers. However, the aircraft do differ when it comes to baggage capacity. The G280 can carry up to 120 cubic feet of baggage, compared with the 106 cubic feet of the Challenger.
Interior
Gulfstream aircraft have some of the quietest cabins in the industry, along with some of the lowest cabin altitudes. However, the G280 is an exception to this rule. As a result, the Challenger 350 is a worthy competitor to the G280’s interior.
The G280 has a maximum cabin altitude of 7,000 feet when flying at 45,000 feet. That’s a higher cabin altitude than many other aircraft that can be compared with the Challenger 350 (e.g. Praetor 600, Legacy 500, Latitude or Longitude). The Challenger 350 isn’t far behind with a maximum cabin altitude of 7,848 feet.
Additionally, the cabin noise levels within the G280 come to 70 decibels. This is just 2 decibels quieter than the Challenger 350. Again, not far off 67 decibels of the Cessna Citation Longitude. As a result, the Challenger 350 and G280 are very similar in their technical aspects of the cabin.
Cabin altitude and noise levels are important in reducing jet lag. A lower cabin altitude is always better. Combine this with a quiet cabin and you will feel more rested when you arrive at your destination.
And then, on top of all this, add in the fact that the Challenger 350 has a flat floor, something that the G280 doesn’t have. Consequently, on the inside at least, the G280 significantly differs from the rest of its family.
Bombardier Challenger 350 Interior
Bombardier is at the top of their game with interior design. Featuring exceptional craftsmanship, carefully selected finishes, large windows and angled touch screens. Optionally experience Ka-band and 4g air-to-ground internet. This allows you to stream music, watch movies & participate in video conferences.
Flying the Challenger 350 gives you the ability to control the cabin from the comfort of every seat. The cabin management system of the 350 has been inspired by Bombardier’s flagship aircraft – the Global 7500. The cabin management system allows you to connect to your personal devices with a super simple user interface.
Features also include a fully flat floor, access to baggage during flight and exquisite finishes.
Gulfstream G280 Interior
The G280 comes with the option to configure the cabin to seat up to 10 passengers and space for up to five passengers to sleep.
There are two cabin layouts that offer the maximum 10 seat capacity, one which features a double-club forward seating arrangement and four seats opposite a three -seat divan (note that only the two edge seats of the divan can be used for take-off and landing). The other configuration replaces the divan with two individual seats in the a single-club configuration. The club seats can be configured into beds, along with the divan.
At the rear of the cabin there is the fully enclosed lavatory, featuring a vacuum toilet, sink and closet to hang garments.
When you walk aboard the G280 you will first notice the galley which is located right opposite the main door. With standard features including cold storage, a coffee maker, ice drawer, hot/cold sink, solid surface countertop, lighted display compartment and a large waste container.
Additionally, the galley features the Gulfstream cabin-management system (CMS), allowing passengers to control the entire cabin environment from this master panel. There is also an app available allowing passengers to configure the cabin environment, such as lighting and cabin temperature, from the comfort of their seat.
Bombardier Challenger 350 Interior
Gulfstream G280 Interior
Charter Price
Price is a deciding factor for many when chartering a private jet. Therefore, the Challenger 350 may be preferable due to the lower estimated hourly charter rate.
The estimated hourly charter rate of the Bombardier Challenger 350 is $4,950. Whereas the estimated hourly charter rate of the Gulfstream G280 is $5,650. On longer flights this will start to really add up.
However, keep in mind that every mission is different and there are many factors that can influence the price of a private jet charter.
Purchase Price
When it comes to the list price of a new Challenger 350 or G280, the difference is extremely minor.
The Challenger 350 has a new list price of $26 million. The Gulfstream G280 comes in at $1 million less, with a new list price of $25 million. However, once you start to get into the options territory, prices will end up being remarkably similar. Customize your Bombardier jet here.
However, a factor that is important to consider with these aircraft is depreciation. Furthermore, with 85% of customers purchasing private jets in a pre-owned condition, the pre-owned price is a more important comparison.
At the time of writing there are approximately 390 Challenger 350s currently in service, compared with just over 220 Gulfstream G280s.
A three year old Challenger 350 is estimated to cost $14 million – around half its original value. In comparison, a three year old Gulfstream G280 is estimated to cost $15 million.
While the depreciation is significant for both aircraft (compared with the Praetor 600), the G280 is likely to hold its value ever so slightly better.
Summary
The Bombardier Challenger 350 and Gulfstream G280 are remarkably similar aircraft. Sure, the G280 can fly faster and further. However, the G280’s interior is compromised in a way that other Gulfstream aircraft aren’t.
Therefore, one must question whether the G280 is truly a Gulfstream. Of course, it wears the Gulfstream livery, however, with manufacturing being outsourced to IAI, it doesn’t have the all the qualities that you would expect from a Gulfstream.
Therefore, if you were chartering a jet from New York to Los Angeles, the Challenger 350 would seem like the better choice. However, the real difference between these aircraft will come down to price.
If you are looking at purchasing one of these aircraft the G280 is ultimately a more flexible aircraft. Although the Challenger 350 feels like a more modern aircraft.
