Dassault Falcon 8X
The Dassault Falcon 8X was the largest and longest-range variant of the popular Falcon series when it was announced. The three-engine business jet belongs to the long-range jet category and was delivered to the first customer in October 2016. The French business jet was first unveiled to the public at the European Aviation Exhibition EBACE in Geneva in 2014. The Falcon 8X is the upgrade of the successful Falcon 7X, which impressed the industry with outstanding technical performance at long range. The French aircraft manufacturer's impressive jets are manufactured in Merignac, not far from the Aéroport de Bordeaux - Mérignac (BOD) airport. In the meantime, the 8X has been surpassed by the Falcon 10X in terms of range and cabin volume.
Long Range Jet
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Dassault |
| Category | Long Range Jet |
| Range* | 11945 km 6450 NM |
| Cruise speed | 911 km/h 492 kts |
| Seats** | 12-14 |
| Suitcases | 16 |
* with IFR reserves
** in standard configuration
Aircraft Pictures
History
The development of the largest Falcon at the time (internally M1000) began in 2011. The business jet represents a further development of the 7X and features improved aerodynamics, an extended fuselage, and a larger fuel tank. The aircraft is equipped with a fly-by-wire system for electronic aircraft control.
The performance data of the Falcon 8X surpass those of its little brother 7X, but not competing jets from other manufacturers: both the Gulfstream G650 and Bombardier's Global 7000/8000 fly further and faster. The Falcon, on the other hand, scores in terms of efficiency and multi-stop capability: despite its three turbines, its fuel consumption is lower than that of its competitors, which also translates into low operating costs. Its comparatively high maximum landing weight, which is only a few tons below the maximum takeoff weight, allows it to make multi-stop flights without refuelling. In addition to its use as a business jet, the Archange also has a military version for electronic reconnaissance. Two Dassault Falcon 8Xs are also part of the current fleet of the air transport service provider Volkswagen Air Service.
Technical Specifications
Performance
Capacity
Cabin
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages of a Falcon 8X as a rental aircraft:
- Breathtaking speed: Even if the competition from Gulfstream and Bombardier has better performance data on paper, the Falcon set a new speed record in 2019 for air travel from the U.S. West Coast to the East Coast. It took just 4 hours and 28 minutes to cover the roughly 3,950-kilometre distance from Santa Monica to Teterboro in New Jersey.
- Gigantic range: Even destinations in North and South America, the Middle East, Asia and even the southern tip of Africa can be reached comfortably and without a stopover with the private luxury aircraft from Europe. This is made possible by the increased fuel capacity and economical fuel consumption compared to previous models. According to the manufacturer, the 8X is up to 20 percent more fuel-efficient than any other aircraft in the ultra-long-range jet segment.
- Contemporary luxury experience: The cabins of some slightly older luxury jets send passengers on a journey through time. The aesthetics of luxury also change over time. The Falcon's cabin, on the other hand, offers a contemporary luxury experience and can match the amenities of upscale hotels. In addition, the cabin is considered one of the largest and quietest on the market, which underscores the luxury ambience.
- Taking off and landing even from and at small airports: Despite its size, the 8X offers the ability to reach short and difficult runways. Examples include the short landing strip at La Môle Airport in St. Tropez or Vatry Airport near the popular Champagne wine region. Business travellers appreciate the reduced travel time, as they can often fly closer to their final travel destination.
- Coolness factor: The manufacturer's experience in building sought-after fighter jets such as the Dassault Rafale, coupled with cool French design, makes a trip in the Falcon a special experience. For those for whom aesthetics and feel are also important criteria for choosing the perfect business jet, the 8X will be the perfect match for their next trip.
Disadvantages of a Falcon 8X as a rental aircraft:
- High acquisition costs: The long-range jet not only makes it into the best lists for its performance: it also ranks among the top class in terms of price and is regularly mentioned when it comes to the most expensive private aircraft in the world. The market for used models is overseeable and, in terms of price, not significantly cheaper than buying a new one. On the other hand, high-value retention can be assumed. The comparatively low fuel consumption has a dampening effect on charter costs.
- Oversized for short trips: The extra-large cabin and high fuel capacity enable travel to far-flung destinations with many fellow passengers or additional luggage. For shorter intra-European flights, in particular, there are smaller alternatives that fly travellers to their destinations much more cheaply in comparable comfort. One alternative from Dassault could be the Falcon 2000LXS or the Falcon 6X.
Overall, the Falcon 8X is hard to beat when it comes to hiring a first-class, prestigious business jet that can also land at smaller airports. With a comparatively low weight and high efficiency, the Falcon leaves many competitors behind. In addition, the long history of the Falcon series has allowed the aircraft manufacturers from France to learn and continuously optimise the fleet.
However, those who can do without the Dassault factor will also find attractive alternatives among the competition from Bombardier and Gulfstream: Thanks to its higher maximum cruise speed, the Bombardier Global 7500 gets you to your destination up to 30 minutes faster on long flights. When it comes to maximising cabin volume, the choice could fall on the Gulfstream G700. With its 17.35-metre cabin, it offers the most space in the aircraft cabin.
The enthusiasm for the large business jet is also shared by relevant target groups in the Middle Kingdom. The 8X has already won the "Best Ultra Long Range Business Jet" category of the annual "HURUN Best of the Best Awards" several times. The award is based on a consumer survey on luxury goods. For eighteen years, Hurun Research has been determining the brand preferences, consumer habits and lifestyle trends of China's wealthiest individuals.
FAQ
Which airports can be served with a Falcon 8X?
Like other Falcons, the 8X is distinguished by its excellent short-haul performance. It lands as reliably at smaller or more difficult airports such as Aspen, London City, Lugano and Gstaad as reliably as at major commercial airports.
How many Falcon 8X jets have been sold so far?
Dassault delivered 69 Falcon 8X jets between 2016 and 2020. Owners of a Falcon 8X include the Royal Family of Monaco and the government of Egypt. In late 2019, the French Air Force ordered two examples to be converted for use as reconnaissance aircraft in partnership with French defense contractor Thales. Around half of the examples sold have their home base in Western Europe.
How does the Falcon 8X differ from the Falcon 7X?
Both the Falcon 7X and the Falcon 8X belong to the long-range jet category. With an identical taxiin width and height, the 8X offers additional space thanks to its 1.09-metre longer taxiin. In addition, thanks to an enlarged fuel tank and more powerful engines, it has an additional range of 945 kilometres compared to the 11,000 kilometres of the 7X. For planned direct flights from Europe to South America, this can make all the difference.
How much does a Falcon 8X cost?
The average price for a used Dassault Falcon 8X is around $53 million. New, the jet costs around 58 million US dollars. The comparatively small difference between the new and the used price is due to the fact that the first examples of the jet series were delivered only a few years ago and so far only a comparatively small number of units are available on the market.
How many passengers can a Falcon 8X carry?
The maximum number of passengers on a Falcon 8X is specified by the manufacturer as 19. However, a look at rental aircraft available on the market quickly reveals that this is a rather theoretical maximum value. Dassault boasts of the many configuration options for its large taxiin. The most common configuration seems to be a three-part taxiin divided into three separate sections, each with 4 seats. In most cases, therefore, prospective renters can assume seating for 12 passengers.
Can the Falcon 8X use smaller airports?
Yes. The Falcon 8X is a tri-engine jet certified for steep approaches, enabling operations at challenging airports such as London City. Its short-field capability gives it access to airports that other ultra-long-range jets often cannot use, expanding travel options and reducing transfer times after landing.
How does the Falcon 8X compare to the Global 7500?
The Falcon 8X has an NBAA IFR range of 11,945 km (6,450 nm), cruises at 911 km/h (492 kts), and seats 12–14 passengers (standard configuration), with certification for up to 19. The Bombardier Global 7500 extends farther to 14,260 km (7,700 nm), cruises faster at 911 km/h (492 kts), and seats 14 passengers (standard configuration), with certification for a maximum of 19 across four cabin zones. The 8X is known for its fuel efficiency and ability to operate at more restrictive airports, while the Global 7500 is designed for the very longest nonstop routes and offers a larger cabin overall.
How does the Falcon 8X compare to the Gulfstream G650?
The Falcon 8X has an NBAA IFR range of 11,945 km (6,450 nm), cruises at 911 km/h (492 kts), and seats 12-14 passengers (standard configuration), with certification for up to 19. The Gulfstream G650 flies farther at 12,964 km (7,000 nm), cruises faster at 956 km/h (492 kts), and seats 14 passengers (standard configuration), with certification for a maximum of 19 thanks to its larger cabin. The 8X is a tri-engine jet valued for efficiency and airport performance, while the G650 is chosen for nonstop ultra-long-haul missions with greater cabin space.
How far can the Falcon 8X fly on a charter flight?
The Falcon 8X has an NBAA IFR range of 11,945 km (6,450 nm) at a cruise speed of 911 km/h (492 kts). This allows nonstop flights such as Paris–Singapore, London–Cape Town, or New York–Dubai. Its endurance places it among the leading ultra-long-range business jets available for charter, linking distant city pairs without fuel stops.
What is the difference between the Falcon 8X and the Falcon 10X?
The Falcon 8X, introduced in 2016, has an NBAA IFR range of 11,945 km (6,450 nm) and typically seats 12–14 passengers in a three-zone cabin. The Falcon 10X, expected to enter service in the late 2020s, will extend range to 13,890 km (7,500 nm) and feature the widest cabin in business aviation, with four distinct zones. While the 8X is Dassault’s current flagship, the 10X is designed to surpass it in both range and cabin space once available.
