Falcon 50 Buyer’s Guide

The Dassault Falcon 50 is a Super Midsize Jet, valued for its unique combination of flight performance, cabin comfort, and reliability. Designed to meet the demands of business travelers, it is ideal for those seeking an aircraft capable of long-range, non-stop flights, with a range of 6000 km and a cruising speed of 850 km/h. With a capacity for eight passengers, the Falcon 50 offers generous interior space and a luxurious cabin.

This buyer’s guide is for prospective private jet buyers who wish to understand the specifics of the Falcon 50, the financial aspects of its acquisition, and operating costs. We will also explore financing and charter options, and provide advice on the best platforms to purchase this exceptional aircraft. For more details, visit our dedicated page: Falcon 50.

Falcon 50 Market and Budget

New and Used Prices

The Falcon 50 market is dynamic, with stable demand thanks to its reputation for reliability and performance. The price of a used Falcon 50 varies considerably depending on the age, overall condition of the aircraft, and avionics and cabin upgrades. The new price is set at 5.4 million USD, while used models can be found between 2 and 5 million USD.

Availability and Lead Times

With several hundred aircraft in the global fleet, the Falcon 50 is relatively accessible on the used market. The average time to close a used transaction is approximately 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of negotiations and inspections. For new aircraft, order books can result in delivery times of several months to a year.

Residual Value

The residual value of the Falcon 50 is influenced by several factors, including the aircraft’s condition, flight hours, and market conditions. A depreciation of around 40% over five years is typical, but this can be mitigated by regular avionics upgrades and rigorous maintenance.

Full Initial Budget

The initial budget for acquiring a Falcon 50 includes the purchase price, pre-purchase inspection (PPI) fees, legal fees, the first-year insurance premium, and potential modification costs to adapt the aircraft to the buyer’s specific needs.

Falcon 50 Operating Costs (OpEx)

Annual Fixed Costs

The annual fixed operating costs for the Falcon 50 amount to approximately 800,000 USD, covering crew salaries, hangar, insurance, engine maintenance contracts, and necessary navigation and avionics subscriptions.

Variable Costs per Hour

The variable costs per flight hour for the Falcon 50 range between 3,500 USD and 4,900 USD, depending on fuel consumption, scheduled maintenance, and airport and navigation fees.

Maintenance Deadlines

JSSI/ESP/MSP programs offer prepaid maintenance options that help smooth maintenance costs and reduce financial unpredictability.

Annual Comparison by Usage Intensity

These figures are estimates based on a jet fuel price of 0.9 USD/L and a consumption of 650 L/h.

Buy or Charter a Falcon 50: Cost-Usage Arbitration

Initial Costs (Purchase vs. Charter)

Purchasing a Falcon 50 involves significant capital immobilization, while chartering results in variable costs without capital commitment. Chartering allows you to pay only for actual use, which can be more cost-effective below the threshold of 250 flight hours per year.

Five-Year Scenarios

Break-even Point

The break-even point for purchasing a Falcon 50 is around 250 flight hours per year. Beyond this threshold, purchasing becomes more economical than chartering. This calculation takes into account annual fixed and variable costs, as well as the average hourly charter cost.

Charter a Falcon 50

Where to Buy a Falcon 50

Sales Platforms

When buying a Falcon 50, it is crucial to decide between using a broker or buying directly. Each option has its advantages: a broker can offer expertise and an extensive network, while a direct purchase can sometimes reduce costs. Rigorous due diligence, including a pre-purchase inspection (PPI), is essential.

Specialized Brokers vs. Direct Purchase

Buying through specialized brokers offers advantages such as access to a global network and in-depth market expertise, but it can also incur additional fees. Direct purchase reduces these costs but requires solid market knowledge and negotiation procedures.

Falcon 50 Owner Reviews

“The Falcon 50 is an exceptional aircraft for long-haul flights thanks to its impressive 6000 km range. Its spacious and comfortable cabin is a major asset for business flights. The performance of its Garrett TFE731 engines is remarkable, offering reliability and fuel efficiency that reduce operating costs.” — Corporate Aviation Director, Europe

“As a Falcon 50 pilot, I particularly appreciate its advanced avionics with the Honeywell PROLINE 4 suite. The aircraft’s maneuverability at high altitude is excellent, and its ability to land on short runways expands our possible destinations. It’s an ideal choice for operations in Europe and beyond.” — Chief Pilot, North America

These testimonials highlight owner satisfaction with the Falcon 50’s performance and comfort, confirming its status as a business jet of choice for demanding companies. Read all Falcon 50 reviews

Finalizing the Falcon 50 Acquisition

Key Acquisition Steps

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

Registration is a crucial step, with varied advantages depending on the chosen registry, such as the United States, the Cayman Islands, Malta, or France, each offering different tax and regulatory regimes.

Financing

Financing options for acquiring a Falcon 50 include aviation bank loans, operational leasing, and finance leasing. These solutions allow the cost to be spread over several years, making the purchase more accessible.