Comparing the Dassault Falcon 7x and the Gulfstream G550 Long Range Business Jets
The Falcon 7x and Gulfstream G550 are two of the original long-range jets in luxury and business aviation.
Dassault announced the Falcon 7x in 2001 at the Paris Air Show, completed its first in 2005, and entered service in 2007 as the largest business jet in the Falcon series. The French aerospace company sought to raise the bar from their Falcon 900EX heavy jet, increasing the range and speed to deliver ultra-long-range capabilities.
Although it’s been surpassed by the Falcon 8x variant, the Falcon 7x is still in production today, with just under 300 in service around the globe.
The Gulfstream G550 (GV-SP) was introduced in 2004 as the successor to the Gulfstream V, becoming Gulfstream’s first ultra-long-range, large-cabin business jet. The new G550 was equipped with aerodynamic enhancements to improve range and fuel efficiency, and a new avionic displays in the cockpit.
The G550 served as Gulfstream’s flagship business jet until the release of the Gulfstream G650 in 2012. Production ended on the G550 in 2021, with just over 600 G550s delivered.
The Falcon 7x and Gulfstream G550 ruled the long range market in early 2000’s, and both aircraft are popular choices for transoceanic and international flights, but what are the key differences between these two long range jets?
Performance
The Dassault Falcon 7x features a unique tri-jet design with an S-duct central engine for added performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Powered by three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A turbofans that deliver 6,402 lbf of thrust each, this long range business jet cruises at Mach .80 (613 mph) with a top speed of Mach 0.90 (690 mph), with a range of 5,950 nautical miles to connect almost any two cities around the globe with one stop.
The Falcon 7x set a transatlantic speed record in May of 2014, flying from Teterboro Airport (KTEB) to London City Airport (LCY) in just 5 hours and 54 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.88 – it was also able to easily land at London City Airport’s short runway (4,000 feet). Although that record has been broken, the Falcon 7x is the faster jet in both cruise and top speed.
The Gulfstream G550 features two Rolls-Royce BR 710-C4-11 turbofans producing 5,385 lbf each, cruising at a Mach 0.68 (528 mph) and reaching a maximum speed of Mach 0.85 (652). What the G550 lacks in speed compared to the Falcon 7x it makes up for in range, able to perform flights up to 6,750 nautical miles, 12.5% more than the 7x.
Both of these large-cabin, long-range jets handle shorter runways with ease, allowing access to more airports for flexible flight planning – the Gulfstream G550 only needs 5,910 feet of runway to take-off, and a 2,770 foot runway to land; the Falcon 7x offers even more accessibility to short runways, needing just 5,710 feet to depart, and a 2,070 foot runway for landings.
Interior
Dassault designed the Falcon 7x’s cabin in partnership with BMW Group DesignworksUSA, creating one of the quietest, most luxurious interiors in its class. The interior is optimized for long distance comfort, with seating for 12-16 passengers across three cabin zones.
28 windows provide plenty of natural lighting during day trips, and fully-berthable seats convert into beds to comfortably sleep 6 for overnight flights. The 7x’s cabin also includes a large galley, a private lavatory, and advanced acoustic and temperature systems to keep you comfortable.
The Gulfstream G550 offers a slightly larger cabin than the Falcon 7x, with seating typically configured for between 14-19 passengers, with enough baggage capacity for 8 suitcases, 6 carry on size bags, and 2 sets of golf clubs. The interior may features a variety of designs including hand-tailored leather seats, exquisite fabrics, and unique wood finishes.
The G550 offers similar cabin amenities including a forward or aft galley, crew compartment and up to four separate cabin areas, and can sleep up to 8 passengers.
Both of these long range jets 6’2″ tall cabins for ease of movement, with the G550 measuring 3-feet longer, and the Falcon has a 4-inches wider. Both aircraft also offer state-of-the-art connectivity and entertainment options and 100% fresh air systems.
Cost
The Dassault Falcon 7x carries a price of around $54.3 million for a new model, while pre-owned models listed at around $14 million for a 2007 model, and around $35 million for newer models. The Falcon 7x is still in production, although it’s been surpassed as the longest-range jet in the Falcon family by the 8x.
The Gulfstream G550 originally carried an MSRP of $62 million, although prices were reduced to around $52 million as the model aged. Production ended on the G550 in 2021 with the introduction of the G600 and G700, and there are hundreds of G550’s in operation in all corners of the world. Used models currently carry a price tag starting around $14 million on the pre-owned market, with some models listed for closer to $30 million based on year of make and amenities.
Both long range business jets offer similar charter costs, ranging between $9,000-$15,000 an hour. There are nearly twice as many G550s in service, which could make it easier to locate one that matches your mission.
TL;DR
The Falcon 7x outperforms the Gulfstream G550 in terms of overall speed, but the G550 is able to fly 12.5% farther. Both business jets are able to utilize short runways to access smaller airports, and can comfortably fly over inclement weather.
Each plane offers large, standing room cabins with seating across 3 separate cabin zones, but the G550 offers additional seating for 2-3 more passengers, and another 30 cubic feet or baggage space.
Interested in chartering a Gulfstream, Falcon, or similar long range jet for your upcoming flight? Submit a request or give us a call at +1 (888) 987-5387 for a free charter quote from Air Charter Advisors.