G280 vs G400
The G400 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Gulfstream Aerospace G280 (introduced 2012) and the Gulfstream Aerospace G400 (introduced 2023) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the G400 carries more passengers. undefined
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G280 vs G400: the key differences
- The G400 delivers 17% more range (G280: 3,600 nm; G400: 4,200 nm).
- The G400 delivers 4% more cruise speed (G280: 459 kt; G400: 476 kt).
- The G400 delivers 90% more passenger capacity (G280: 10 seats; G400: 19 seats).
- The G400 is the newer design (introduced 2023 versus 2012 for the G280), a gap of 11 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The G400 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (74,600 lbs versus 39,600 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for long-haul and transatlantic missions, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the G400 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the G400 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The G280 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
G280 vs G400: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the G280 or the G400?
The G400 has the longer published range — 4,200 nm versus 3,600 nm for the G280.
Does the G280 or G400 seat more passengers?
The G400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 10 on the G280.
Which is faster, the G280 or the G400?
The G400 cruises faster, at 476 kt versus 459 kt for the G280.
Which is newer, the G280 or the G400?
The G400 is the newer design, introduced in 2023 versus 2012 for the G280.
Is the G280 or the G400 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the G400 is the larger aircraft — 74,600 lbs versus 39,600 lbs for the G280.
Should I buy the G280 or the G400?
On published specifications the G400 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The G280 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the G280 vs G400?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.