Falcon 20 Buyer’s Guide

The Dassault Falcon 20 is a midsize private jet renowned for its reliability and proven performance. Designed to meet the needs of demanding businesses and individuals, it offers a range of 3700 km and seating for eight passengers. Equipped with two General Electric CF700-2D-6 engines, it achieves a cruising speed of 850 km/h, making it an ideal choice for regional and transcontinental business flights.

This buyer’s guide is intended for potential buyers interested in acquiring a Falcon 20, whether new or pre-owned. We will cover financial aspects, operating costs, purchase and charter options, and platforms for acquiring this aircraft. For more details on the Falcon 20, please visit our dedicated page: Falcon 20.

Falcon 20 Market and Budget

New and Used Prices

The Falcon 20 is available on the pre-owned market at very attractive prices, ranging from 300,000 USD to 500,000 USD. In comparison, the new list price is 5.4 million USD. This difference is due to the rapid depreciation of business jets and the constant evolution of avionics technology.

Availability and Lead Times

The Falcon 20 is a well-established model, with many units in service worldwide. The average time to complete a transaction on the pre-owned market is approximately 3 to 6 months. However, the order book for new aircraft can lead to longer delivery times, often 12 to 24 months.

Residual Value

The residual value of the Falcon 20 is influenced by several factors, including the aircraft’s age, maintenance history, and private jet market trends. A depreciation of approximately 35% is expected over a five-year period.

Full Initial Budget

The purchase of a Falcon 20 includes various initial costs beyond the purchase price, such as pre-purchase inspections (PPI), legal fees, and first-year insurance. These additional costs represent approximately 18.5-19% of the purchase price.

Falcon 20 Operating Costs (OpEx)

Annual Fixed Costs

Annual fixed costs for a Falcon 20 amount to approximately 600,000 USD, including crew salaries, hangar, insurance, and engine maintenance contracts.

Variable Costs per Hour

Variable costs per flight hour for the Falcon 20 range between 2,500 USD and 3,500 USD, depending on fuel price, necessary maintenance, and airport fees.

Maintenance Deadlines

Maintenance programs such as JSSI, ESP, or MSP can help manage these costs by offering staggered payments to cover major deadlines.

Annual Comparison by Usage Intensity

These annual estimates show that operating a Falcon 20 can cost between 1.1 million USD and 2.2 million USD depending on usage, with fixed costs remaining constant.

Buy or Charter a Falcon 20: Cost-Usage Arbitration

Initial Costs (Purchase vs. Charter)

Purchasing a Falcon 20 requires significant upfront capital but allows for reduced variable costs compared to chartering. Conversely, chartering, at a cost of approximately 2,500 EUR per hour, offers more flexibility without tying up capital.

Five-Year Scenarios

Over a five-year period, purchasing a Falcon 20 becomes more economical than chartering from 250 flight hours per year, due to savings on variable operating costs.

Break-even Point

The break-even point for purchasing a Falcon 20 is around 250 flight hours per year. Beyond this point, purchasing is more advantageous than chartering. For additional details, consult our charter page: Charter a Falcon 20.

Where to Buy a Falcon 20

Sales Platforms

The choice between a broker and direct purchase depends on personal preferences and the buyer’s specific needs. Brokers offer valuable expertise and access to an extensive network, but direct purchase can be more economical if the buyer is well-informed.

Specialized Brokers vs. Direct Purchase

Engaging a broker can facilitate the purchase process through their market knowledge and ability to negotiate favorable terms. However, this may incur additional costs in terms of commissions. Direct purchase requires rigorous due diligence but can be more cost-effective.

Falcon 20 Owner Reviews

“The Falcon 20 is a reliable aircraft with excellent range for a Midsize Jet. Its operating cost remains competitive, and its comfortable cabin is a major asset. The CF700 engines, although older, offer reliable performance.”
— Operations Director, Europe

“As a Falcon 20 owner, I appreciate its robustness and its ability to perform transcontinental flights non-stop. Maintenance is well managed with programs like JSSI, which reduces unforeseen costs.”
— Private Pilot, North America

Falcon 20 owners particularly appreciate the aircraft’s reliability and range capability. Although the avionics are from a previous generation, the overall performance and operating costs make it a popular choice for business operations.

To read more testimonials, visit: Read all Falcon 20 Reviews.

Finalizing the Falcon 20 Acquisition

Key Acquisition Steps

1. Pre-agreement
2. Pre-purchase inspection (PPI)
3. Legal/tax due diligence
4. Registration (N-number, F-XXXX, etc.)
5. Insurance transfer

Registration is a crucial step that can influence the tax regime and applicable regulations for the aircraft. Registries such as those in the United States, Cayman Islands, Malta, or France offer different advantages in terms of cost and compliance.

Financing

Financing options for acquiring a Falcon 20 include aviation bank loans, operational leasing, and finance leasing. Fractional ownership is also a possibility for those who wish to share acquisition and operating costs.