Charter a Gulfstream G280

The Gulfstream G280 is a super-midsize business jet that entered service in 2012 with a specific set of performance claims: the longest range in its category at 3,600 nm (6,667 km), the best fuel economy among super-midsize competitors and the widest, tallest cabin in its class. Developed as an evolution of the G250 - and renamed from that designation specifically to respect the cultural significance of the number 250 in Chinese markets, where it carries negative connotations - it attracted immediate attention on launch for setting city-pair speed records and for its cabin dimensions at 7.92 m long, 2.18 m wide and 1.91 m high. The 1.91 m headroom provides full stand-up clearance throughout the cabin, and in-flight access to the baggage compartment is available throughout any sector.

The G280 cabin accommodates up to 10 passengers in two distinct zones: a Club 4 forward section with four facing seats, and an aft zone with a three-seat sofa and two additional seats. The noise isolation system was specifically engineered to be best-in-class among super-midsize jets - a claim Gulfstream has supported by challenging any competitor to demonstrate a quieter cabin. With a range covering London to Dubai non-stop, London to New York with one fuel stop and all of Europe comfortably, it is one of the most capable aircraft in the charter market at its price point. Charter prices start from approximately £3,700 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the G280?

• The longest range in the super-midsize category at launch. At 3,600 nm (6,667 km), it outranges the Challenger 350 (3,200 nm), Citation XLS (1,858 nm) and most Hawker variants at its price point. The additional range translates to non-stop capability on London to Dubai, London to Riyadh and London to Mumbai - missions that require a fuel stop in competing super-midsize jets;
• Stand-up headroom at 1.91 m. The G280 cabin height of 1.91 m is the tallest in the super-midsize category. This is a genuine stand-up cabin across its full 7.92 m length - a height that exceeds the Challenger 350 (1.83 m) and most Citation variants;
• Best-in-class cabin noise isolation. Gulfstream engineered the G280 cabin acoustic environment to be the quietest in the super-midsize category. The noise isolation system reduces the fatigue effect of engine and aerodynamic noise on the 4 to 6 hour sectors the aircraft most commonly covers;
• In-flight accessible baggage compartment. Passengers can access luggage during the flight - an operational advantage on the 6 to 7 hour Gulf and Near East sectors the G280's range enables. Documents, medication and equipment can be retrieved mid-flight without crew intervention;
• Two distinct cabin zones. The Club 4 forward configuration and the aft three-seat sofa with additional seats provide genuinely separate working and relaxation environments in a 7.92 m cabin. Up to 10 passengers can be accommodated;
• City-pair speed records. The G280 set multiple city-pair speed records after its 2012 entry into service, demonstrating that its 850 km/h cruise performance was verified under real operational conditions rather than marketing claims.

Charter cost - G280 prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £3,700 to £4,400 - above the Challenger 350 and Citation XLS, reflecting the additional range, greater cabin height and wider fuselage. On sectors where the range advantage eliminates a fuel stop required by a Challenger 350, the total trip time and cost difference can be material.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Dubai - from £28,000 (8 passengers, non-stop, approximately 6 hours 30 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £7,000 (8 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Athens - from £15,600 (8 passengers, approximately 3 hours 20 minutes);
• London to Istanbul - from £16,400 (8 passengers, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes);
• London to Mumbai - from £30,000 (8 passengers, non-stop, approximately 8 hours 30 minutes);
• Edinburgh to Moscow - from £16,800 (8 passengers, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes);
• Manchester to Riyadh - from £26,000 (8 passengers, non-stop, approximately 6 hours).

Empty Leg flights appear on repositioning routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the G280

It earns its premium over the Challenger 350 most clearly on missions where the additional 400 nm of range eliminates a fuel stop or where the cabin height and noise environment matter on longer sectors:

• UK to Gulf non-stop (6 to 7 hours). Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait City. The G280's 3,600 nm range covers all Gulf destinations non-stop from UK airports where a Challenger 350 at 3,200 nm is at the limit or requires a stop. For passengers on overnight Gulf missions, the quieter cabin and stand-up headroom provide a noticeably better experience on these longer sectors;
• UK to Indian Subcontinent non-stop (8 to 9 hours). Mumbai is within non-stop range. For groups of 6 to 8 on this specific sector, the G280 is one of the few super-midsize jets that completes the mission without a fuel stop;
• UK to Eastern Mediterranean and Near East (4 to 5 hours). Istanbul, Cairo, Beirut, Tel Aviv, Amman. The G280's range and cabin dimensions are well matched to these 4 to 5 hour missions where the noise isolation and stand-up comfort create a materially better experience than in the Citation XLS or Hawker variants;
• Large group European travel (2 to 4 hours). For groups of 8 to 10 on European sectors, the G280 provides the largest super-midsize cabin available at competitive rates. The Club 4 plus three-seat sofa plus two additional seats configuration accommodates a variety of group dynamics;
• UK to North Africa non-stop (3 to 4 hours). Marrakech, Cairo, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli. All within comfortable non-stop range. The in-flight baggage access is particularly useful on 3 to 4 hour working sectors where documents or materials may be needed from the hold.

Cabin and in-flight experience

This aircraft cabin measures 7.92 m long, 2.18 m wide and 1.91 m high. The 1.91 m headroom is the highest in the super-midsize category, providing full stand-up clearance from front to rear. The 2.18 m width is wider than the Challenger 350 (2.49 m excludes the raised floor section) in terms of usable aisle and shoulder room in comparable seating configurations.

The two-zone layout provides a forward Club 4 with four facing seats in a conference and meeting arrangement, and an aft zone with a three-seat sofa and two individual seats. The sofa is a genuine three-seat sofa rather than three individual chairs, providing a more informal and relaxed alternative to the forward conference zone. In-flight baggage compartment access allows passengers to retrieve items throughout the sector.

• Zones. Two - forward Club 4 (conference/meeting) and aft sofa zone (lounge/rest);
• Headroom. 1.91 m throughout - highest in the super-midsize category;
• Noise. Best-in-class acoustic isolation for the super-midsize category;
• Baggage. In-flight accessible compartment - available during the full sector;
• Windows. Large windows providing generous natural light throughout the cabin;
• Galley. Full galley with hot meal service capability;
• Entertainment. Cabin entertainment and connectivity system. Wi-Fi and satellite phone vary by operator - confirm at booking;
• Lavatory. Private enclosed lavatory aft.

Technical specifications

G280 vs similar aircraft

• G280 vs Challenger 350. The 350 has a wider cabin (2.49 m vs 2.18 m) but lower headroom (1.83 m vs 1.91 m) and shorter range (3,200 nm vs 3,600 nm). Charter rates for the 350 run approximately 20 to 30% lower. The G280's advantages are clear on longer sectors where its range eliminates a fuel stop and where the additional headroom and quieter cabin are appreciated. The Challenger 350 is the stronger choice for groups prioritising cabin width over headroom and range on shorter European missions;
• G280 vs Citation XLS. That aircraft has shorter range (1,858 nm), a smaller cabin and lower charter rates (approximately 20 to 30% lower). For groups of 5 to 7 on European sectors within 1,858 nm, the XLS is the efficient choice. For any mission requiring the G280's range - Gulf, Near East, India non-stop - only the Gulfstream covers it in the super-midsize category at comparable rates;
• G280 vs Legacy 500. The Legacy 500 is a midsize jet with 3,125 nm range, a flat floor, fly-by-wire controls and charter rates approximately 15 to 20% lower. The G280 has greater range (3,600 nm vs 3,125 nm) and more capacity (10 vs 8). For groups of 8 to 10 needing this range bracket, the Gulfstream is the appropriate choice; for groups of 6 to 7 on missions within 3,125 nm, the Legacy 500's flat floor and lower rate are compelling.

Frequently asked questions - G280 charter

How much does it cost to charter a Gulfstream G280?
Charter rates run from approximately £3,700 to £4,400 per flight hour. London to Dubai non-stop costs from £28,000 for 8 passengers. London to Geneva costs from £7,000. London to Mumbai non-stop costs from £30,000. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

Why was the Gulfstream G280 renamed from the G250?
Gulfstream renamed the aircraft to G280 from G250 to address the cultural significance of the number 250 in Chinese markets, where it carries negative connotations. The renaming was intended to demonstrate sensitivity to international markets - the G280 designation has no other technical significance and the aircraft is otherwise unchanged from the G250 development programme.

What is the range of the Gulfstream G280?
At 3,600 nm (6,667 km) - the longest of any super-midsize jet at the time of its 2012 launch. This covers London to Dubai, London to Riyadh and London to Mumbai non-stop, and outranges the Challenger 350 (3,200 nm) and most Citation variants in its price bracket.

How many passengers can fly on a G280?
Maximum 10 in the maximum configuration. The optimal charter layout seats 8 across the two cabin zones - a Club 4 forward configuration and an aft zone with a three-seat sofa and two additional seats.

Can passengers access luggage during a G280 flight?
Yes - the baggage compartment is accessible during the flight, allowing passengers to retrieve documents, medication or personal items mid-sector. This is a useful operational feature on the 6 to 7 hour Gulf and Near East sectors the G280 commonly covers.