Falcon 2000 Buying Guide
The Dassault Falcon 2000 is a Heavy Jet, ideal for intercontinental travel thanks to its impressive performance and spacious cabin. With a range of 6,000 km and a capacity for 10 passengers, this aircraft is particularly popular with businesses and individuals seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and efficiency. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information to understand the Falcon 2000 market, evaluate its total cost of ownership, and determine whether buying or chartering is the best option for you.
Learn more about the Falcon 2000
In this guide, we will explore the Falcon 2000 market and budget, detail operating costs, analyze the trade-off between buying and chartering, examine platforms for buying a Falcon 2000, present owner testimonials, and finally, guide you through the acquisition process.
Falcon 2000 Market and Budget
New and Used Prices
| Condition | Low Range | High Range | Note |
|---|
| New | 35.0M USD | 35.0M USD | Based on list price |
| Used | 6.8M USD | 28.5M USD | Depends on age and maintenance status |
The Falcon 2000 market is dynamic, with used prices varying considerably depending on the aircraft’s age, maintenance history, and specific configurations. The new price is set at 35 million USD, while used prices can go down to 6.8 million USD for older models. Aircraft in good condition with a complete maintenance history generally sell in the higher range.
Availability and Lead Times
The Falcon 2000 is well-represented in global private jet fleets, with several hundred aircraft in service. Transactions in the used market can take between 3 and 6 months, depending on availability and demand. For new aircraft, the order book can lead to delivery times of up to 18 months.
Residual Value
| Reference | Value USD | Estimated Value n+3 | Estimated Value n+5 | Depreciation |
|---|
| New | 35.0M USD | 27.6M USD | 22.8M USD | ~35% over 5 years |
The residual value of the Falcon 2000 is influenced by several factors, including the aircraft’s overall condition, avionics upgrades, and market trends. A typical depreciation of approximately 35% over five years is expected, which is standard for an aircraft in this category.
Full Initial Budget
| Item | Estimated Amount | % of Purchase Price |
|---|
| Purchase Price | 35.0M USD | 100% |
| PPI Fees (0.5-1%) | 175k - 350k USD | 0.5-1% |
| Legal Fees | 50k - 100k USD | ~0.2-0.3% |
| 1st Year Insurance | 150k USD | ~0.4% |
| Potential Modifications | 500k USD | ~1.4% |
| Total | 35.875M USD to 36.1M USD | ~102-103% |
Falcon 2000 Operating Costs (OpEx)
Annual Fixed Costs
| Item | Annual Cost USD | Notes |
|---|
| Crew (2 pilots + HA) | 600k USD | Salaries and training included |
| Hangar | 200k USD | Depends on location |
| Hull Insurance | 150k USD | Based on aircraft value |
| JSSI/MSP Engine Contracts | 200k USD | Comprehensive engine coverage |
| Navigation Subscriptions | 50k USD | Database updates |
| Total | 1.2M USD | |
Variable Costs per Hour
| Item | Cost/hour USD | Assumptions |
|---|
| Fuel | 765 USD | 850 L/h at 0.9 USD/L |
| Scheduled Maintenance | 1,000 USD | Based on wear and consumables |
| Airport/Navigation Fees | 250 USD | Varies by routes and airports |
| Total Variable | 3,500-5,000 USD | |
Maintenance Deadlines
| Type | Hours Interval | Estimated Cost USD | Downtime Duration |
|---|
| Check A | 600h | 20k - 30k USD | 2-3 days |
| Check B | 1200h | 50k - 70k USD | 1-2 weeks |
| Check C | 2400h | 200k - 300k USD | 3-6 weeks |
| Engine TBO | 5000h | 1M - 1.5M USD | 1-2 months |
Programs like JSSI, ESP, or MSP offer solutions for managing and pre-financing maintenance costs, allowing for more precise budget planning and a reduction in unforeseen costs.
Annual Comparison by Usage Intensity
| Item | 150h/year | 300h/year | 500h/year |
|---|
| Fixed Costs | 1.2M USD | 1.2M USD | 1.2M USD |
| Fuel | 114,750 USD | 229,500 USD | 382,500 USD |
| Maintenance | 522,750 USD | 1.0M USD | 1.7M USD |
| Fees | 27,000 USD | 54,000 USD | 90,000 USD |
| Total Annual | 1.9M USD | 2.5M USD | 3.4M USD |
Buy or Charter a Falcon 2000: Cost-Usage Trade-off
Initial Costs (Purchase vs. Charter)
Buying a Falcon 2000 requires significant initial capital but offers total flexibility of use. Conversely, chartering reduces this capital requirement, but variable costs can quickly accumulate, especially with high usage.
5-Year Scenarios
| Scenario | Hours/year | Total 5-Year Purchase Cost | Total 5-Year Charter Cost | Difference |
|---|
| Low | 150h | 42.5M USD | 35.5M USD | -7.0M USD |
| Medium | 300h | 47.5M USD | 71.0M USD | +23.5M USD |
| Intensive | 500h | 58.5M USD | 118.3M USD | +59.8M USD |
Break-even Point
The break-even point is around 250 flight hours per year. At this level, buying becomes more economical than chartering. This calculation is based on an average charter cost of 4,000 EUR/h and the operating costs detailed above. Charter a Falcon 2000
Where to Buy a Falcon 2000
The purchase process can be done through specialized brokers or directly via online platforms. Using a broker can facilitate due diligence and pre-purchase inspection (PPI), while direct purchase can sometimes reduce costs.
Specialized Brokers vs. Direct Purchase
Brokers offer valuable expertise, but at an additional cost. Direct purchase can be more economical but requires increased vigilance in evaluating the aircraft. 
Falcon 2000 Owner Reviews
“The Falcon 2000 stands out for its excellent range/fuel consumption ratio, ideal for transatlantic flights. Its spacious cabin, 1.88 meters high and 2.34 meters wide, offers unparalleled comfort. Maintenance is facilitated by Dassault’s global network, which is a major asset.”
— Operations Director, Europe
“As an owner, I appreciate the reliability of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines and the Collins ProLine 4 avionics suite, which simplifies operations. The aircraft has moderate fuel consumption of 850 L/h, which is competitive for a jet in this category.”
— CEO of a company, North America
Falcon 2000 owners regularly highlight its combination of economic performance and comfort. The reliability of the engines and the quality of available maintenance are assets that justify the investment in this aircraft. Read all Falcon 2000 reviews
Finalizing the Falcon 2000 Acquisition
Key Acquisition Steps
- Pre-agreement: evaluate offers and negotiate terms.
- PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection): verify the aircraft’s technical condition.
- Legal/Tax Due Diligence: ensure legal compliance.
- Registration (N-number, F-XXXX, etc.): register the aircraft.
- Insurance Transfer: confirm coverage.
Registration in certain registries, such as those in the USA, the Cayman Islands, or Malta, can offer significant tax and regulatory advantages.
Financing
Financing options include bank loans, operating leases, and finance leases. Rates generally vary between 4% and 7%, depending on the buyer’s profile and market conditions.
| Financing Method | Required Down Payment | Indicative Rate | Duration |
|---|
| Aviation Bank Loan | 20-30% | 4-7% | 5-10 years |
| Operating Lease | 0-10% | 5-8% | 3-7 years |
| Finance Lease | 15-25% | 5-9% | 5-12 years |
