Gulfstream G280 Private Jet Charter
8-10 Passengers
120 Baggage Capacity
540 Airspeed
3,600 Range
7.2 Cabin Width
6.3 Cabin Height
25.10 Cabin Length
Enclosed Lavatory Style
The Gulfstream G280 is the longest-range aircraft in the super-midsize category and one of the most capable short-runway performers available for charter. With a nonstop range of 3,600 nm and a takeoff distance of just 4,750 ft at maximum takeoff weight, the G280 covers routes that competing super-midsize jets cannot, and accesses airports that many of them cannot use at full load.
JetOptions clients charter the G280 for US transcontinental routes, transatlantic hops with a single fuel stop, Caribbean and Latin American itineraries, and any mission where a group of 6 to 10 passengers needs more range than the Challenger 350 can deliver without stepping up to the cost of a heavy jet. It is the aircraft that most often fills the gap between super-midsize and heavy, offering a genuine alternative to the G550 on routes under 3,600 nm at a meaningfully lower hourly rate.
| Choose the G280 If... | Consider an Alternative If... |
|---|---|
| Your group is 4 to 10 passengers and you need more range than the Challenger 350 without paying for a heavy jet | Your route exceeds 3,600 nm nonstop (consider the G550 or Global 6000) |
| Your departure airport has a short or constrained runway, the G280 takes off in just 4,750 ft at MTOW | Your group exceeds 10 passengers (consider a heavy jet) |
| You are flying a route between 3,200 nm and 3,600 nm where the Challenger 350 falls short nonstop | Lie-flat beds are required for an overnight crossing (consider a heavy jet) |
| A wide stand-up cabin at a super-midsize rate is the priority | Maximum cruise speed is the primary requirement (the Citation X+ is faster in this category) |
The G280 cabin measures 25.0 ft in usable length, 7.1 ft in width, and 6.2 ft in height, the same width as the Challenger 350 and a full foot taller than the Citation X at the crown. The standard configuration seats 8 to 10 passengers across a forward club-four and a mid-cabin club-four or divan arrangement, with an aft lavatory and separate baggage compartment.
The G280 is a full stand-up cabin throughout. The 7.1 ft width gives passengers genuine freedom to move, and the 6.2 ft ceiling height is among the tallest in its class. Most operator configurations include fold-out work tables at each seat pair, a forward refreshment centre, and window shading throughout. The cabin is not configured for lie-flat sleep; for overnight transatlantic routes requiring flat beds, JetOptions will recommend a heavy jet.
Most chartered G280 aircraft are equipped with Ka-band or Ku-band high-speed Wi-Fi. Power outlets and USB ports are standard at seat stations across virtually all operators. The Honeywell PlaneView 280 cabin management system allows passengers to control lighting, temperature, and entertainment from personal devices on most configurations.
For executives requiring confirmed video call capability, JetOptions specifies the connectivity standard per aircraft at time of booking.
The G280 carries a forward refreshment centre with coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, and storage. Fully functional for meals, snacks, and beverages on routes up to 7 hours. JetOptions coordinates bespoke catering for every G280 charter, dietary requirements, custom menus, wine selection, and pre-loaded provisions. Catering briefs are collected at time of booking.
JetOptions and its vetted operators provide:
The typical charter rate for a Gulfstream G280 is $6,500 to $8,500 USD per flight hour. Rates vary based on operator, aircraft age, departure region, and seasonal demand. The G280 typically runs 30 to 40 percent below the G550 on comparable routes, making it the preferred choice for missions within its 3,600 nm range where the full capability of a heavy jet is not required.
A standard G280 charter quote includes a two-pilot crew, fuel for direct routing, standard ground handling at departure and arrival, and one-time landing fees at each airport. Basic catering is included as part of the standard package.
Additional costs that may apply: positioning fees if the aircraft is not at the departure airport, international overflight permits, de-icing on winter routes, and upgrades such as premium catering and ground transport coordination. JetOptions confirms all positioning costs before quote acceptance, they are never added after agreement.
The G280’s range advantage over the Challenger 350 opens routes that competing super-midsize jets cannot cover nonstop. These are the missions where it earns its place:
| Route | Airports | Flight Time | Why the G280 | Typical Passenger Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York to London | TEB to EGLF | ~8.5 hrs | Tech stop typically required; G280 covers more of the route nonstop than most super-midsize jets before the stop | Corporate, executive |
| LA to New York | VNY to TEB | 5.0 hrs | Nonstop transcontinental in a wide stand-up cabin at super-midsize rates | Corporate, entertainment, tech |
| New York to Miami | TEB to OPF | 3.0 hrs | Comfortable short hop; full cabin for a group of 8 to 10 | Corporate, family, leisure |
| Dallas to Bogota | DAL to SKBO | 4.5 hrs | Nonstop to Colombia, beyond the Challenger 350's comfortable range | Corporate, family |
| Miami to Buenos Aires | OPF to SAEZ | ~8.5 hrs | Long-range Latin America routing; tech stop en route | HNI, family, corporate |
| New York to Aspen | TEB to KASE | 4.0 hrs | Short-runway performance at Aspen, G280 excels here with its 4,750 ft takeoff distance | Family, leisure, ski season |
| New York to the Caribbean | TEB to various | 3.0 to 4.5 hrs | Covers all Caribbean destinations nonstop from New York | Family, leisure, HNI |
The G280 occupies a distinct position: more range than the Challenger 350 or Citation X, a wider and taller cabin than the Citation X, and a meaningfully lower rate than the G550 on routes within its 3,600 nm envelope. It is most often the right choice when the route falls in the 3,200 to 3,600 nm gap that puts the Challenger 350 out of nonstop range and the G550 over-spec for the mission.
| G280 | Challenger 350 | Citation X+ | G550 | Global 6000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonstop Range | 3,600 nm | 3,200 nm | 3,460 nm | 6,750 nm | 6,000 nm |
| Cabin Width | 7.1 ft | 7.1 ft | 5.6 ft | 7.4 ft | 8.2 ft |
| Cabin Height | 6.2 ft | 6.1 ft | 5.7 ft | 6.2 ft | 6.2 ft |
| Takeoff Distance | 4,750 ft | 5,082 ft | 5,900 ft | 5,910 ft | 6,109 ft |
| Max Passengers | 10 | 10 | 12 | 18 | 17 |
| Typical Hourly Rate | $6,500–$8,500 | $6,500–$8,500 | $7,000–$9,000 | $10,000–$13,000 | $11,000–$14,000 |
| Best For | Range beyond super-midsize; short-runway access; G550-level cabin at lower cost | Widest availability; best value on domestic routes | Fastest super-midsize; time-critical transcontinental | Transatlantic nonstop; 8-pax sleep; long-haul value | Wide cabin; competitive on transatlantic at heavy jet rate |
The G280’s short-runway performance is worth highlighting specifically for PAs managing Aspen, Telluride-area, or other constrained-airport itineraries. At 4,750 ft takeoff distance, the G280 accesses airports that eliminate the Challenger 350 at full load and rule out the G550 and Global 6000 entirely. If the trip starts or ends at a short-runway destination and the group is 6 to 10, the G280 is frequently the only aircraft that makes the itinerary work without splitting into two aircraft.
For routes beyond 3,600 nm, JetOptions recommends the Gulfstream G550 or Bombardier Global 6000. See flyjetoptions.com/fleet/gulfstream-g550 and flyjetoptions.com/fleet/global-6000.
For PAs coordinating a G280 charter on behalf of a principal, or executives arranging a domestic or short-international private flight, the following is the standard JetOptions process:
Tell us your route, travel date, group size, and any specific requirements. Your JetOptions Aviation Account Executive will respond within the hour with operator options, aircraft details, and pricing tailored to your itinerary.
No obligation. No pressure. JetOptions provides quotes alongside relevant alternatives so you can make the best decision for your trip.
JetOptions Private Jets is an ARGUS and Wyvern registered charter company with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. We provide on-demand access to rigorously vetted Gulfstream G280 operators, with every aircraft meeting or exceeding FAA safety standards and backed by $50 million to $250 million in liability coverage.
How is the G280 different from the Challenger 350?
The G280 and Challenger 350 are close competitors in the super-midsize category, but they differ in two meaningful ways. First, range: the G280 covers 3,600 nm versus the Challenger 350’s 3,200 nm, a 400 nm advantage that opens nonstop routes the Challenger cannot complete at full load, including New York to the Azores and Dallas to Bogota. Second, runway performance: the G280 takes off in 4,750 ft at MTOW versus 5,082 ft for the Challenger 350, giving it better access to constrained airports including Aspen. Cabin dimensions are nearly identical, both are 7.1 ft wide, and charter rates are broadly comparable. For groups where neither the range nor the runway advantage matters for the specific trip, both are equally appropriate and JetOptions will present both.
Can the G280 fly nonstop from New York to London?
No. New York to London is approximately 3,450 nm direct, within the G280’s 3,600 nm range on paper, but not achievable nonstop in charter conditions when accounting for passengers, baggage, headwinds, and fuel reserves. In practice, a New York to London G280 charter requires a single technical stop, typically Reykjavik (BIRK) or Shannon (EINN). For nonstop transatlantic capability, JetOptions recommends the Gulfstream G550 or Bombardier Global 6000. See flyjetoptions.com/fleet/gulfstream-g550.
Why is the G280’s short takeoff distance relevant?
For most charter routes, major airports, sea-level elevations, standard temperatures, takeoff distance is not a constraint. It becomes decisive at high-elevation airports like Aspen (KASE at 7,820 ft elevation), short-runway destinations in the Caribbean or Latin America, and summer operations at warm airports where density altitude reduces effective runway length. At 4,750 ft takeoff distance, the G280 accesses airports that eliminate the G550 (5,910 ft) and Global 6000 (6,109 ft) at full passenger and fuel loads. For itineraries that include a constrained airport, the G280’s runway performance is frequently the reason it is selected over alternatives.
How does the G280 compare to the G550 in terms of value?
The G550 is a heavy jet with 6,750 nm of range, a wider cabin (7.4 ft vs 7.1 ft), and the ability to sleep up to 8 passengers, significantly more capability than the G280 on long-haul routes. For routes within the G280’s 3,600 nm range where nonstop sleep and heavy-jet cabin space are not required, the G280 typically costs 30 to 40 percent less per flight hour. For a group of 6 to 8 flying New York to Aspen or LA to New York, the G280 delivers a Gulfstream-quality cabin experience at a super-midsize rate. JetOptions will present both where the route and group size make either appropriate.
How many bags does the G280 hold?
The G280 has 120 ft³ of baggage capacity, more than the Citation X (82 ft³) and slightly more than the Challenger 350 (106 ft³). In practice this accommodates approximately 8 to 10 standard suitcases depending on bag size. Baggage is accessible in-flight via a dedicated aft compartment on most configurations. JetOptions advises PAs on baggage planning at time of booking.
What is a positioning fee and will I be charged one?
A positioning fee applies when the nearest available G280 is not at the departure airport. The aircraft flies empty to the departure point before the charter leg begins, standard practice across all on-demand charter operators. JetOptions confirms all positioning costs before quote acceptance; they are never added after agreement. For time-sensitive trips where cost certainty matters, ask for a guaranteed all-in quote.
How far in advance do I need to book a G280 charter?
For domestic US G280 charters, 24 to 48 hours notice is generally sufficient. For international routes or multi-leg itineraries requiring overflight permits, 3 to 5 business days is recommended. Last-minute G280 charters are handled regularly; contact the JetOptions team directly for urgent availability.
What happens if the aircraft has a mechanical issue before departure?
JetOptions maintains operator relationships with multiple G280 operators. In the event of a mechanical issue, JetOptions immediately sources an equivalent replacement aircraft, another G280 or the closest appropriate alternative such as a Challenger 350 or 3500 depending on the route. Clients are notified directly by their assigned Aviation Account Executive, who coordinates all rebooking, FBO changes, and ground transport adjustments. Available 24 hours a day throughout every trip.