Few aircraft in the super-midsize category match the G280’s combination of short-field performance and intercontinental range. Gulfstream’s twin-engine jet carries up to 10 passengers at Mach 0.85 and can operate from runways that would ground larger cabin jets making it a fixture in fractional fleets and flight departments that need genuine operational flexibility.
Manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries for Gulfstream Aerospace, the G280 earned FAA type certification in 2012 and has logged over 300 deliveries since.
Gulfstream G280 Specifications
| Manufacturer | Gulfstream Aerospace / Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) |
| Type | Super-midsize business jet |
| First flight | December 11, 2009 (as G250) |
| Certification | FAA and EASA type certificate, July 2012 |
| Production status | Active – in production at IAI, Israel |
| Units built | 300+ as of June 2025 |
| Engine(s) | 2x Honeywell HTF7250G turbofan, 3,500 lb thrust each |
| Max range | 3,600 nm (6,667 km) NBAA IFR reserves |
| Cruise speed | Mach 0.85 / 480 KTAS |
| Max operating altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Takeoff distance | 4,750 ft at MTOW, sea level ISA |
| Landing distance | 2,480 ft at typical landing weight |
| Max takeoff weight (MTOW) | 39,600 lb (17,962 kg) |
| Passenger capacity | 8–10 typical / 19 max |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Price (new) | ~$25–$27 million (2024 reference) |
| Operating cost | ~$3,200–$4,500/hr total variable |
History and Overview
Development and Background
The G280 traces its origins to the Galaxy, a mid-size jet developed jointly by Gulfstream Aerospace and Israel Aerospace Industries in the late 1990s. That aircraft entered service as the Gulfstream G200 in 1999. In 2005, as the G200 matured in the market, Gulfstream and IAI began designing a substantive follow-on, not a refresh but a clean-sheet rework of the core platform. The new program, initially designated G250, was formally launched in 2008 with commitments from early customers drawn by the promise of significantly improved range and field performance over the G200.
The maiden flight took place on December 11, 2009 in Tel Aviv. In July 2011, ahead of certification, Gulfstream renamed the aircraft G280. The change was pragmatic: ‘250’ translates unfavorably in Mandarin Chinese, a significant issue given the growth of Chinese business aviation. Israeli provisional certification followed in December 2011, with FAA type certification granted in July 2012. First customer deliveries began that year.
Design and Performance
The G280 shares its external fuselage cross-section with the G200, but the similarity largely ends there. The rear fuselage fuel tank was eliminated adding 17 inches (43 cm) of usable cabin interior while keeping the airframe external dimensions unchanged. The redesigned wing incorporates elements from the G550’s airfoil, contributing materially to improved climb, cruise efficiency, and low-speed handling. New T-tail surfaces are larger than the G200’s, and engine bleed air handles wing anti-icing rather than the older pneumatic system.
Propulsion comes from twin Honeywell HTF7250G turbofans, each rated at 3,500 lb thrust, an upgrade over the G200’s HTF7200 series. The flight deck is a full Honeywell Primus Elite avionics suite with four 14-inch flat-panel displays, synthetic vision, and FANS-1/A datalink. The G280 is certified for steep approaches, opening access to airports including London City that would otherwise be impractical for aircraft of this weight class. Published short-field performance, 4,750 ft balanced field length at MTOW, opened airports that competing jets at comparable payload could not serve.
Range of 3,600 nm under NBAA IFR reserves covers city pairs including London to New York, Singapore to Dubai, and Los Angeles to Honolulu. The cabin offers a stand-up 6 ft headroom environment, a full-size aft lavatory, and access to the baggage compartment from inside the cabin, which was a practical feature the G200 did not offer. Four additional windows versus the G200 are a detail operators notice on long sectors.
Variants
The G280 has been produced in a single primary variant since certification. Gulfstream has delivered progressive avionics updates and interior options through the production run, but no separate sub-variant designations have been assigned. The type certificate covers one configuration.
Operators
The G280 is operated across fractional programs (including NetJets and Flexjet), private owners, and corporate flight departments throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. A small number have entered government and VIP transport roles, particularly in the Middle East. The type’s short-field certification makes it attractive to operators serving smaller regional airports that are impractical for larger-cabin competitors.
Current Status
The G280 remains in active production at IAI’s facility in Israel, with Gulfstream handling marketing and customer support from Savannah, Georgia. With over 300 delivered as of mid-2025, the used market is active and liquid: examples trade from approximately $8 million for earlier high-hours aircraft to $18 million or above for recent low-time examples. Parts and tyres remain in full supply through the established Gulfstream and IAI support networks.
Gulfstream G280 Landing Gear and Tires
Landing Gear Configuration
The G280 uses a retractable tricycle undercarriage with a single nose wheel and single main wheels on each main gear strut. The aircraft is equipped with carbon brakes and a multi-channel anti-skid system. The fuselage, empennage, and landing gear are manufactured by IAI. No significant landing gear airworthiness directives have affected tire requirements during the production run, and tire change-out is straightforward at any MRO with the appropriate IAI ground support equipment.
G280 Tire Specifications
| Nose wheel tire size | 18×4.4 — 12 PR (tubeless) |
| Main gear tire size | 26×6.6R14 — 14 PR (tubeless radial) |
| Ply rating | 12 PR nose / 14 PR main |
| Tire pressure (typical) | Verify against AMM for operating serial number and configuration |
| Compatible brands | Michelin, Goodyear |
| Part numbers — Main (Michelin) | M08401 (Michelin Air X, 26×6.6R14, 14 PR) |
| Part numbers — Nose (Michelin) | 027-614-0 (Michelin Air, 18×4.4, 12 PR) |
| Part numbers — Main (Goodyear) | 266Q42-1 (Goodyear Flight Radial, 26×6.6R14, 14 PR) |
| Always verify tire specifications against the aircraft’s Airworthiness Maintenance Manual (AMM) and any applicable airworthiness directives before ordering. Serial number and configuration can affect tire requirements. |
Main Gear Tires
The G280 main gear tires are radial construction, size 26×6.6R14, 14 PR tubeless a specification shared with the earlier G200 and several Dassault Falcon variants. At an MTOW of 39,600 lb, main gear loads are moderate for the tire size, and wear characteristics are generally favorable. Typical replacement intervals run in the 150–300 landing cycle range depending on runway surface quality, approach speeds, and operator technique, but operators should follow the limits published in their approved maintenance program.
Nose Wheel Tire
The nose wheel tire is 18×4.4, 12 PR tubeless — a bias-ply construction rated to 210 mph. The nose tire carries a lower load than the mains and typically outlasts main gear tires across a given interval, though shimmy checks and tread inspection should be included in any tire change visit.
FAQs
Is the Gulfstream G280 still in production?
Yes. Gulfstream continues to deliver G280 aircraft built by IAI at its facility in Israel. Over 300 have been delivered since type certification in 2012, and the production line remains active. Tires, parts, and support are fully available through the established Gulfstream and IAI networks.
What are the Gulfstream G280 specifications?
Key figures: 3,600 nm range (NBAA IFR reserves), Mach 0.85 cruise, 45,000 ft ceiling, 39,600 lb MTOW, 8–10 passengers typical, 2x Honeywell HTF7250G turbofans. See the full specifications table above for all performance and weight data.
What is the Gulfstream G280 range?
3,600 nm (6,667 km) under NBAA IFR reserve conditions. This covers London to New York, Singapore to Dubai, and Los Angeles to Honolulu non-stop. At reduced payload, range extends further.
What is the Gulfstream G280 price?
New list price is approximately $25–$27 million (2024 reference). Used examples currently trade from around $8 million for earlier high-hours aircraft to $18 million or above for recent low-time examples, depending on year, total time, and major inspection status.
What does the Gulfstream G280 cost to operate per hour?
Total variable operating costs typically run $3,200–$4,500 per hour at charter utilization rates, covering fuel, maintenance reserves, landing and handling fees, and crew. Actual costs vary significantly by operator, utilization, region, and fuel price. Flight department managers should model their specific operation.
Where can I find a Gulfstream G280 for sale?
Active listings appear on AVPRO, Controller, JetNet, and Trade-A-Plane. The used market is reasonably liquid given the production volume.
What interior options does the Gulfstream G280 offer?
The G280 cabin offers stand-up headroom (6 ft), seating for 8–10 in typical business layouts, a full-size aft lavatory, in-flight-accessible baggage compartment, and high-capacity fresh air circulation. Gulfstream offers multiple interior configurations through its completions center, with a range of seat, galley, entertainment, and connectivity options. Interior accessibility from the baggage compartment was a specific upgrade over the G200.
What is the Gulfstream G280 landing distance?
2,480 ft at typical landing weight, sea level, ISA conditions per Gulfstream published data. The G280 is certified for steep approaches, further reducing effective field length requirements at applicable airports.
What tire size does the Gulfstream G280 use?
Main gear: 26×6.6R14, 14 PR tubeless radial. Nose wheel: 18×4.4, 12 PR tubeless. Always verify against the AMM for your specific serial number and configuration before ordering.
Which tire brands are approved for the Gulfstream G280?
The G280 is compatible with Michelin and Goodyear in the correct sizes and ply ratings. DMI Aviation stocks Michelin Air X (M08401) for the main gear, Michelin Air (027-614-0) for the nose wheel, and Goodyear Flight Radial (266Q42-1) for the main gear.
How much do Gulfstream G280 tires cost?
Pricing varies by brand and position. See our G280 tire listings for current pricing, or contact us for fleet and bulk order inquiries.
What is the tire pressure for the Gulfstream G280?
Tire pressure specifications are published in the G280 Airworthiness Maintenance Manual (AMM). Always verify the correct inflation figures for your aircraft’s serial number and configuration against the AMM before servicing. Do not rely on general industry references for tire pressure.
How long do Gulfstream G280 tires last?
Main gear tires on the G280 typically last 150–300 landing cycles depending on runway surface quality, approach speed consistency, and operator technique. Calendar time, tread depth indicators, and cycle limits defined in the approved maintenance program all drive replacement decisions. Consult the AMM and your approved maintenance schedule for type-specific limits.
How often should Gulfstream G280 tires be changed?
Replacement is driven by tread wear indicators, cycle limits set in the approved maintenance program, and any applicable airworthiness directives. Factors that drive early replacement include high-speed rejected takeoffs, heavy braking on a short runway
