The True Operating Cost of Gulfstream G280
The Gulfstream G280 is a premium midsize business jet offering 10-seat capacity, exceptional range, and proven reliability. Plan for $620,000–$800,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $6,200–$8,000 per hour. The G280 dominates midsize corporate markets.
Quick Specs: Gulfstream G280
| Specification | G280 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × Rolls-Royce BR710A2-12 (13,000 lbf thrust each) |
| Fuel Burn | 290–320 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 480–520 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 5,800–6,400 lbs |
| Seats | 10 |
| Range | 3,500–4,500 nm |
TL;DR: Gulfstream G280 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $240,000–$320,000/year (insurance $110,000–$160,000, hangar $90,000–$120,000, annuals $30,000–$40,000, crew)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $380,000–$480,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $620,000–$800,000/year (~$6,200–$8,000/hour)
- Finance a $38,000,000 G280: Add $665,000/month ($7,980,000/year) at 6.5% over 12 years
- At 50 hours: ~$500,000–$660,000/year (~$10,000–$13,200/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$1,000,000–$1,280,000/year (~$5,000–$6,400/hour)
Midsize Jet Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $110,000–$160,000/year for $30M–$42M hull
- Hangar: $90,000–$120,000/year (midsize facility)
- Annual inspection: $30,000–$40,000 labor
- Crew training: $10,000–$15,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 305 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$1,677/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $30–$45/hour
- Engine reserves: $48–$60/hour ($270K per engine ÷ 5,000 TBO × 2)
- Avionics/systems: $180–$280/hour
- Landing/handling fees: $300–$800/landing
- Maintenance: $200–$300/hour
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 15,250 | $83,875 | $1,677 |
| 100 | 30,500 | $167,750 | $1,677 |
| 150 | 45,750 | $251,625 | $1,677 |
| 200 | 61,000 | $335,500 | $1,677 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Rolls-Royce BR710A2-12 Engines
- BR710A2-12: 5,000 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $270,000–$330,000 per engine
- Combined reserve: $600,000 ÷ 5,000 = $120/hour
- Reliability: Proven turbofan with excellent support
Midsize Jet Maintenance
- Engine system checks: $25,000–$35,000/year
- Avionics updates: $15,000–$22,000/year
- Pressurization/environmental: $10,000–$15,000/year
- Landing gear service: $8,000–$12,000/year
- Budget: $320–$420/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Midsize Insurance
- $30,000,000 hull: $110,000–$135,000/year
- $42,000,000 hull: $155,000–$195,000/year
- Charter operations: +25–40% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Midsize Hangar | $7,500–$10,000 | $90,000–$120,000 |
| Tie-Down | $1,500–$2,500 | $18,000–$30,000 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $280,000 | $320,000 | $600,000 | $12,000 |
| 100 | $280,000 | $640,000 | $920,000 | $9,200 |
| 200 | $280,000 | $1,280,000 | $1,560,000 | $7,800 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $38,000,000 Gulfstream G280, 6.5% APR, 12 years = $7,980,000/year.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $920,000 | $7,980,000 | $8,900,000 | $89,000 |
| 200 | $1,560,000 | $7,980,000 | $9,540,000 | $47,700 |
Financing the Gulfstream G280
- Purchase price: $32,000,000–$48,000,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $27,000,000–$41,000,000
- Term: 12–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $560,000–$1,200,000
Lender Requirements: 700+ credit, aviation experience, $4,000,000+ net worth, detailed flight plan, hull insurance $30M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support midsize jet financing.
Gulfstream G280 vs. Competitors
- vs. Bombardier Learjet 75: G280 larger cabin; Learjet lighter
- vs. Embraer Phenom 300E: G280 more range; Phenom lighter
Get prequalified for midsize jet financing »
Sources: Gulfstream Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS