Gulfstream G280 vs Embraer Praetor 500
The Matchup
Two of the most capable super-midsize jets on the market, each with a distinct advantage the other can't match. The G280 brings the most range in its class plus Gulfstream's name on the door. The Praetor 500 brings the only fly-by-wire system in the super-midsize category plus an aggressive price point. If range matters, you're leaning G280. If technology and value matter, you're leaning Praetor. Let's see which lean is right.
Head to Head
| Gulfstream G280 | Spec | Embraer Praetor 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,600 NM at Mach 0.80★ | Range | 3,340 NM at Mach 0.80 |
260 NM more range. The G280 can reliably cross the Atlantic eastbound; the Praetor 500 is marginal. That 260 NM advantage matters on the longest city pairs. | ||
| Mach 0.84★ | Max Speed | Mach 0.83 |
| 7 ft 2 in★ | Cabin Width | 6 ft 9 in |
Five inches wider. Noticeable comfort advantage for passengers, especially on flights over 2 hours. | ||
| 25 ft 10 in★ | Cabin Length | 24 ft 0 in |
Nearly 2 feet longer. More room for seating and better proportions overall. | ||
| 6 ft 3 in★ | Cabin Height | 6 ft 0 in |
Three inches taller. Better stand-up headroom for taller passengers. | ||
| 8–10★ | Passengers | 7–9 |
| 45,000 ft | Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| 4,750 ft | Takeoff Distance | ★4,222 ft |
528 feet shorter. The Praetor's fly-by-wire system and efficient wing design deliver excellent takeoff performance, opening shorter runways. | ||
| 2,680 ft | Landing Distance | ★2,086 ft |
Nearly 600 feet shorter. A significant advantage for short-field operations. | ||
| 2× Honeywell HTF7250G (7,624 lbs each) | Engines | 2× Honeywell HTF7500E (7,528 lbs each) |
Both are capable Honeywell engines with MSP program support. Very similar in thrust and efficiency. | ||
| $13.4M–$16.25M asking (Q3 2026) | 2026 Acquisition Market Reference | $14.08M–$19.38M Vref (July 2026) |
Market research reviewed October 8, 2026: Gulfstream G280: $13.4M–$16.25M asking (Q3 2026); Embraer Praetor 500: $14.08M–$19.38M Vref (July 2026). These retain their different source dates and measurement bases. Public asking examples, model-wide valuations and production positions are not interchangeable achieved sale prices. Sources: https://hagertyjetgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/Hagerty-Jet-Group-Q3-2026-Gulfstream-Market-Report-10-2-26.pdf | https://www.duncanaviation.aero/files/aircraft-sales/Business-Jet-Model-Market-Summary-Metric.pdf | ||
260 NM more range. The G280 can reliably cross the Atlantic eastbound; the Praetor 500 is marginal. That 260 NM advantage matters on the longest city pairs.
Five inches wider. Noticeable comfort advantage for passengers, especially on flights over 2 hours.
Nearly 2 feet longer. More room for seating and better proportions overall.
Three inches taller. Better stand-up headroom for taller passengers.
528 feet shorter. The Praetor's fly-by-wire system and efficient wing design deliver excellent takeoff performance, opening shorter runways.
Nearly 600 feet shorter. A significant advantage for short-field operations.
Both are capable Honeywell engines with MSP program support. Very similar in thrust and efficiency.
Market research reviewed October 8, 2026: Gulfstream G280: $13.4M–$16.25M asking (Q3 2026); Embraer Praetor 500: $14.08M–$19.38M Vref (July 2026). These retain their different source dates and measurement bases. Public asking examples, model-wide valuations and production positions are not interchangeable achieved sale prices. Sources: https://hagertyjetgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/Hagerty-Jet-Group-Q3-2026-Gulfstream-Market-Report-10-2-26.pdf | https://www.duncanaviation.aero/files/aircraft-sales/Business-Jet-Model-Market-Summary-Metric.pdf
Cost Comparison
Market research reviewed October 8, 2026: Gulfstream G280: $13.4M–$16.25M asking (Q3 2026); Embraer Praetor 500: $14.08M–$19.38M Vref (July 2026). These retain their different source dates and measurement bases. Public asking examples, model-wide valuations and production positions are not interchangeable achieved sale prices. Sources: https://hagertyjetgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/Hagerty-Jet-Group-Q3-2026-Gulfstream-Market-Report-10-2-26.pdf | https://www.duncanaviation.aero/files/aircraft-sales/Business-Jet-Model-Market-Summary-Metric.pdf Operating-cost figures remain historical planning estimates. Compare both aircraft using the same annual hours, fuel price, crew basis, reserves and exclusions.
Model these costs with your own hours, fuel price, and crew.
Open Cost Comparison Tool →Which One Wins?
G280
260 NM more range means reliable transatlantic capability eastbound. If you cross the Atlantic or routinely push super-midsize range limits, the G280 provides the margin you need.
Praetor 500
Full fly-by-wire in the super-midsize category. Smoother ride, better turbulence management, enhanced safety. This is a genuine differentiator.
G280
Wider, longer, taller. The G280's cabin is more generous in every dimension. For passenger comfort, the Gulfstream wins.
Praetor 500
Nearly 600 feet shorter landing distance. If your destinations include airports with runways under 5,000 feet, the Praetor's field performance is compelling.
Compare current aircraft offers
Market research reviewed October 8, 2026: Gulfstream G280: $13.4M–$16.25M asking (Q3 2026); Embraer Praetor 500: $14.08M–$19.38M Vref (July 2026). These retain their different source dates and measurement bases. Public asking examples, model-wide valuations and production positions are not interchangeable achieved sale prices. Aircraft age, condition and maintenance commitments can outweigh an apparent model-level price advantage.
The Final Take
The Praetor 500 is the smarter buy for technology-forward operators who don't need every last nautical mile. Fly-by-wire at $17M new is remarkable value. The shorter field performance opens more airports. And the operating costs are slightly lower. Market research reviewed October 8, 2026: Gulfstream G280: $13.4M–$16.25M asking (Q3 2026); Embraer Praetor 500: $14.08M–$19.38M Vref (July 2026). These retain their different source dates and measurement bases. Public asking examples, model-wide valuations and production positions are not interchangeable achieved sale prices. Compare aircraft of similar vintage and maintenance position before inferring a model premium.
Read the Full Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
For range and cabin size — yes. For technology, field performance, and new-aircraft pricing — the Praetor 500 wins.
If range and cabin size are your priorities, the G280. If technology and value matter more, the Praetor 500.
Eastbound — yes, comfortably. Westbound depends on winds and routing. The Praetor 500 is marginal in both directions.
Yes — the only aircraft in the super-midsize category with full fly-by-wire flight controls.
Market research reviewed October 8, 2026: Gulfstream G280: $13.4M–$16.25M asking (Q3 2026); Embraer Praetor 500: $14.08M–$19.38M Vref (July 2026). These retain their different source dates and measurement bases. Public asking examples, model-wide valuations and production positions are not interchangeable achieved sale prices. The sample does not establish a fixed premium or faster resale for every aircraft.
The G280 — 7'2" vs 6'9". Five inches wider, plus a longer and taller cabin.
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Let's TalkLast updated: 2026-10-08