Gulfstream G280 vs Cessna Citation X

The Citation X (super-mid, ~528 kt — fastest civil jet) and G280 (super-mid, ~482 kt, ~3,600 nm) are direct super-mid competitors with very different DNA — the X is the speed king; the G280 is the longest-range, quietest-cabin super-mid.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Gulfstream G280
For sale now
21
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
13
Source marketplaces
7
Model years available
2012–2024
Cessna Citation X
For sale now
29
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
6
Source marketplaces
9
Model years available
1997–2017

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Gulfstream G280 Cessna Citation X
View 21 listings →
Median $12,995,000
 Cessna Citation X
View 27 listings →
Median $7,475,000
Price Range $12,119,000 – $21,590,000 $4,122,500 – $10,827,500
Category Super-Midsize Jet Super-Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 10 12
Cruise Speed 459 kts (850 km/h) 480 kts (889 km/h)
Range 3,600 nm (6,667 km) 3,070 nm (5,686 km)
Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (13,716 m) 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Max Gross Weight 39,600 lbs (17,963 kg) 36,100 lbs (16,375 kg)
Useful Load 10,500 lbs (4,763 kg) 6,800 lbs (3,084 kg)
Fuel Capacity 1,200.0 gal (4542 L) 1,050.0 gal (3974 L)
Fuel Burn 240.0 GPH (908 L/h) 260.0 GPH (984 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $550,000 $600,000
Annual Fixed $450,000 $500,000
Hourly Variable $3,200 $3,800
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Gulfstream G280

Fuel$1,320/hr
Variable$3,200/hr
Annual Fixed$450,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $1,090,000/yr

Cessna Citation X

Fuel$1,430/hr
Variable$3,800/hr
Annual Fixed$500,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $1,260,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Gulfstream G280 or Cessna Citation X?

Bottom line: Choose the G280 for class-leading range, the Gulfstream cabin (quieter, lower altitude) and modern PlaneView. Choose the Citation X for outright speed and the unique fastest- civil-jet identity.

Pick the G280 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$3200/hr vs $3800/hr.
  • Longer range — 3600 nm vs 3070 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2012 vs 1996.

Pick the Citation X if…

  • Budget matters — from $4,122,500 vs $12,119,000, you save ~$7,996,500.
  • More seats — 12 vs 10.
  • Faster cruise — 480 kts vs 459 kts.
  • More inventory — 27 listings vs 21.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Gulfstream G280 or Cessna Citation X?
It depends on your mission and budget. The G280 cruises at 459 kts with 3,600 nm range. The Citation X cruises at 480 kts with 3,070 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Gulfstream G280 and Cessna Citation X?
Seats: 10 vs 12. Cruise: 459 vs 480 kts. Range: 3600 vs 3070 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
G280: about $3200/hr variable cost. Citation X: about $3800/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
G280: 10 seats / 10,500 lb useful load. Citation X: 12 seats / 6,800 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
G280: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$550,000. Citation X: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$600,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data