Gulfstream G650 and Dassault Falcon 8X are the largest private aircrafts in the world, seating 18-19 passengers relatively comfortably. They are also among the fastest, yet most expensive, jets to purchase and run.
Our editorial team did a comparative analysis of both aircrafts, evaluating their specifications and operating costs. The portal experts concluded that comfort is relative, especially as both aircrafts allow you to tailor the cabin to your individual needs. The most important feature of this class of private jet for clients is the running cost, price, dimensions and specification.
To ensure they were objective, the experts used an average distance of 200,000 miles. The cruising speed of the G650 is around 502 knots, or 578 miles per hour, meaning that the annual flight time of the Gulfstream is 346 hours. The cruising speed of the Falcon 8X is 474 knots, or 547 miles per hour, so it can cover 200,000 miles in 366 hours. Based on fixed and direct costs, we will consider how much each of the jets will cost to run over a one-year period.
Gulfstream G650
Direct hourly costs
The Gulfstream G650 burns around 1713.65 litres of fuel in an hour.At a price of USD 1.32 per litre of fuel, that comes to USD 2263.50 per hour. Servicing the G650 will cost around USD 1191.76 per hour, which includes 346.17 for the airframe and 845.59 for the engine. Taking all that into account, you will need to spend USD 3455.26 on direct overheads per hour for fuel and maintenance. Over 346 hours, or 200,000 miles, it will set you back a total of USD 1,195,519.96 per year.
Fixed annual costs
Cabin crew for the G650 will cost USD 227,175 per year on average. Renting a hangar for the G650 will cost approximately USD 55,867.50 per year. Insurance, including aircraft and liability cover, will cost USD 56,568.75 per year, whereas pilot trainingwill set you back USD 64,155.00 per annum.
For 346 hours’ worth of flight time, you will need to make the following allowances:
Annual hourly expenses: USD 1,195,519.96
Annual fixed expenses: USD 403,796.25
Overall annual expenses: USD 1,599,311.21
Falcon 8X
Direct hourly costs
The Falcon 8X burns 1311.6 litres of fuel per hour which, based on a price of USD 1.32 per litre, amounts to a cost of USD 1732.50 per hour. Maintenance costs for the Falcon come in at around USD 835.69 per hour, which includes 235.26 is for the airframe and 600.43 for the engine. Overall expenses on fuel and maintenance give a direct hourly cost of USD 2568.19. For an average flight time of 366 hours per year (200,000 miles) you will need to set aside USD 939,957.54 for direct maintenance expenses.
Fixed annual costs
Salaries for cabin crew of the Falcon are around USD 227,175.00 per year. Annual rent of a hangar for the 8X will be USD 78,800, with annual insurance costing USD 44,850 and pilot training US 64,155. All things considered, the overall fixed expenses will come to USD 414,980.00 per year.
For 366 hours’ flight time, you will need to make the following allowances:
Annual hourly expenses: USD 939,957.54
Annual fixed expenses: USD 414,980
Overall annual expenses: USD 1,354,937.54
Conclusion
Over the course of a year, maintaining the Gulfstream will cost USD 250,000 more than maintaining the Falcon. The majority of these additional expenses will go on fuel and engine maintenance for the Rolls-Royce BR725. However, this engine allows you to travel on the world’s fastest and most powerful jet, and the G650 is two metres longer than the Falcon 8X and almost 18 centimetres wider. True, the latter makes a more economical use of space and when you sit in the cabin, you can’t feel the difference. Yet it all depends on individual preference.Some prefer the American version, while others prefer the French.
Price
The average catalogue price for the G650 is USD 63 million, while the Falcon comes in at USD 57.5 million. That means that you’ll need to pay USD 5.5 million more for the Gulfstream and spend a further USD 250,000 approximately per year. The flight range for both private jets is pretty much equal, standing at 7,500 nautical miles.
Many people think that the G650 is the most luxurious and impressive private jet in the world, which justifies its cost. However, the Falcon 8X is also a top-end private jet: its three engines and powerful airframe give it distinct advantages. Moreover, the Falcon 8X, like other models produced by the French company Dassault, has an inimitable charm which can be seen in its external appearance as well as in its interior décor. All things considered, our portal experts unequivocally chose the Dassault Falcon 8X.