Falcon 900 Buyer’s Guide
The Dassault Falcon 900 is a Heavy Jet aircraft, renowned for its ability to combine performance and comfort. With a range of 7500 km and a cruising speed of 850 km/h, it is ideal for transcontinental travel. Its spacious cabin can accommodate up to 14 passengers, offering optimized space for comfort and luxury. Equipped with three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines, the Falcon 900 is a prime choice for buyers seeking a reliable and high-performing aircraft.
This guide will help you understand the financial and operational implications of purchasing a Falcon 900. You will find information on the market, operating costs, the trade-off between buying and chartering, as well as acquisition advice. To learn more about the Falcon 900, visit our dedicated page: Falcon 900.
Falcon 900 Market and Budget
New and Used Prices
| Condition | Low Range | High Range | Note |
|---|
| New | 34.3M USD | 34.3M USD | List Price |
| Used | 12.0M USD | 25.0M USD | Depending on condition and age |
The private jet market is experiencing fluctuating dynamics, influenced by the growing demand for flexible and exclusive mobility. The Falcon 900, with its ability to serve long distances non-stop, remains a popular option for businesses and wealthy individuals. The new price remains stable at 34.3M USD, while the used market offers a wide range of prices, reflecting the condition of available aircraft.
Availability and Lead Times
The global Falcon 900 fleet is well-established, with hundreds of aircraft in service. The average lead time for acquiring a used aircraft is approximately 3 to 6 months, depending on the aircraft’s specifics and negotiations. The order book for new aircraft can result in longer delivery times, often exceeding 12 months.
Residual Value
| Reference | Value USD | Estimated Value n+3 | Estimated Value n+5 | Depreciation |
|---|
| New | 34.3M USD | 27.1M USD | 22.3M USD | ~35% over 5 years |
The residual value of a Falcon 900 is influenced by several factors, including regular maintenance, avionics updates, and market trends. A depreciation of 35% over 5 years is typical, although investments in maintenance and upgrades can mitigate this decline.
Complete Initial Budget
| Item | Estimated Amount | % of Purchase Price |
|---|
| Purchase | 34.3M USD | 100% |
| PPI (0.5-1%) | 171K - 343K USD | 0.5-1% |
| Legal Fees | 50K USD | ~0.15% |
| 1st Year Insurance | 240K USD | ~0.7% |
| Potential Modifications | 500K USD | ~1.5% |
| Total | 35.26M - 35.43M USD | ~103% |
Falcon 900 Operating Costs (OpEx)
Annual Fixed Costs
| Item | Annual Cost USD | Notes |
|---|
| Crew (2 pilots + FA) | 600K USD | Salaries and training |
| Hangar | 200K USD | Variable location |
| Hull Insurance | 240K USD | Full coverage |
| JSSI/MSP Engine Contracts | 120K USD | Prepaid maintenance |
| Navigation Subscriptions | 40K USD | Charts and 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 | 1,500 USD | Based on Check A/B/C |
| Airport/Navigation Fees | 500 USD | Regional average |
| Total Variable | 2,765 - 4,765 USD | |
Maintenance Deadlines
| Type | Hours Interval | Estimated Cost USD | Downtime Duration |
|---|
| Check A | 600h | 20K USD | 2-3 days |
| Check B | 1200h | 60K USD | 1-2 weeks |
| Check C | 2400h | 200K USD | 3-6 weeks |
| Engine TBO | 5000h | 1M USD | 4-6 weeks |
Programs such as JSSI, ESP, and MSP offer maintenance coverage solutions, allowing for cost smoothing and optimal aircraft availability.
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 | 710,250 USD | 1.4M USD | 2.4M USD |
| Fees | 27,000 USD | 54,000 USD | 90,000 USD |
| Annual Total | 2.1M USD | 2.9M USD | 4.0M USD |
Buy or Charter a Falcon 900: Cost-Usage Arbitration
Initial Costs (Purchase vs. Charter)
Purchasing a Falcon 900 ties up significant capital but allows for immediate access to the aircraft. In contrast, chartering offers flexibility without capital commitment, with a variable cost based on usage.
5-Year Scenarios
| Scenario | Hours/year | Total 5-year Purchase Cost | Total 5-year Charter Cost | Difference |
|---|
| 150h | 750 | 45.7M USD | 14.625M EUR | 31.075M USD |
| 300h | 1500 | 58.5M USD | 29.25M EUR | 29.25M USD |
| 500h | 2500 | 74.0M USD | 48.75M EUR | 25.25M USD |
Break-even Point
From 220 hours per year, purchasing a Falcon 900 becomes more competitive than chartering. Calculation: 220h x 3,500 EUR/h = 770,000 EUR, compared to annual fixed costs (1.2M USD) and variable costs (approximately 2.8M USD/year for 220h). For more information on chartering, visit our page: Charter a Falcon 900.
Where to Buy a Falcon 900
Buying a Falcon 900 can be done through specialized brokers or directly on online sales platforms. Rigorous due diligence, including a PPI (pre-purchase inspection), is crucial to ensure the aircraft’s condition and document compliance.
Specialized Brokers vs. Direct Purchase
Brokers offer expertise and a network that can facilitate the purchase, particularly for obtaining advantageous terms. However, direct purchase can reduce transaction costs. 
Falcon 900 Owner Reviews
“The Falcon 900 is a robust and reliable machine, suitable for transatlantic flights thanks to its excellent range. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, offering unparalleled comfort for passengers. Its fuel efficiency is remarkable, with optimized fuel consumption.” — Aeronautical Director, Europe
“As an owner, I appreciate the simplified maintenance provided by JSSI programs. The Falcon 900 offers exceptional performance, even on short runways, and its technical reliability is a major asset for our fleet.” — Fleet Manager, North America
Falcon 900 owners agree on the flight quality, reliability, and comfort of this aircraft. The support of maintenance programs and operational flexibility are often cited as key advantages. For more reviews, see: Read all Falcon 900 reviews.
Finalizing the Falcon 900 Acquisition
Key Acquisition Steps
- Pre-agreement
- PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection)
- Legal/Tax Due Diligence
- Registration (N-number, F-XXXX, etc.)
- Insurance Transfer
The registration of a Falcon 900 can be done in several jurisdictions, each offering specific advantages in terms of taxation and regulation. Popular registries include the USA, the Cayman Islands, Malta, and France.
Financing
Financing options for a Falcon 900 include specialized bank loans, operational leasing, or finance leasing. Fractional ownership is also an option to reduce costs.
| Financing Method | Required Down Payment | Indicative Rate | Duration |
|---|
| Aviation Bank Loan | 20-30% | 4-7% | 5-10 years |
| Operational Leasing | 0-10% | 5-8% | 3-7 years |
| Finance Leasing | 15-25% | 6-9% | 5-12 years |
