Dassault Falcon 900 vs Gulfstream G550

The Dassault Falcon 900 and the Gulfstream G550 are two large-cabin business jets a class apart in range — the three-engine Falcon 900 and the ultra-long-range G550. The 900 pairs trijet efficiency and field performance with a large cabin; the G550 adds the range to cross any ocean nonstop. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Dassault Falcon 900
For sale now
20
Model years available
1988–2013
Gulfstream G550
For sale now
56
Model years available
1997–2020

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Dassault Falcon 900Gulfstream G550
All events2—
Serious1—
Fatal1—
Fatalities6—
% Fatal50%—
View full Dassault Falcon 900 NTSB record →View full Gulfstream G550 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Dassault Falcon 900 Gulfstream G550
Median $7,475,000
 Gulfstream G550
View 58 listings →
Median $22,400,000
Price Range $5,175,750 – $20,862,500 $11,105,000 – $33,695,000
Category — Large Cabin Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 14 18
Cruise Speed 459 kts (850 km/h) 488 kts (904 km/h)
Range 4,750 nm (8,797 km) 6,750 nm (12,501 km)
Service Ceiling 51,000 ft (15,545 m) 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Max Gross Weight 49,000 lbs (22,226 kg) 91,000 lbs (41,278 kg)
Useful Load 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg) 27,500 lbs (12,474 kg)
Fuel Capacity 3,190.0 gal (12074 L) 6,078.0 gal (23005 L)
Fuel Burn 330.0 GPH (1249 L/h) 380.0 GPH (1438 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 7,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $1,100,000 $1,300,000
Annual Fixed $700,000 $900,000
Hourly Variable $4,500 $5,500
Engines 3 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Dassault Falcon 900

Fuel$1,815/hr
Variable$4,500/hr
Annual Fixed$700,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $1,600,000/yr

Gulfstream G550

Fuel$2,090/hr
Variable$5,500/hr
Annual Fixed$900,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $2,000,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Dassault Falcon 900 or Gulfstream G550?

Bottom line: Choose the Falcon 900 for trijet efficiency and field access — three engines, a large cabin and the performance to use hot, high and shorter runways, at a lower cost than ultra-long-range. Choose the G550 for global reach — a proven ultra-long-range jet that connects far-flung city pairs nonstop. On safety the Falcon's third engine adds an extra margin on oceanic legs and out of demanding airports, while the G550 brings twin-engine redundancy and a class-leading record — both excellent. Trijet efficiency and field access, or ultra-long-range reach.

Pick the Falcon 900 if…

  • Budget matters — from $5,175,750 vs $11,105,000, you save ~$5,929,250.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$4500/hr vs $5500/hr.

Pick the G550 if…

  • More seats — 18 vs 14.
  • Faster cruise — 488 kts vs 459 kts.
  • Longer range — 6750 nm vs 4750 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2003 vs 1986.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Falcon 900 and G550?
The Falcon 900 is a three-engine large-cabin jet known for efficiency and field performance; the G550 an ultra-long-range twin with much greater range. They differ in range, engine count and mission.
Which has the longer range?
The G550 — a true ultra-long-range jet. The Falcon 900 is large-cabin with strong but shorter range, trading distance for trijet efficiency and field access.
Why does the Falcon have three engines?
The trijet layout adds an engine-out margin on long over-water flights and improves hot-and-high and short-field performance — a Dassault signature. The G550 achieves its global range on two.
Which is better, Dassault Falcon 900 or Gulfstream G550?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Falcon 900 cruises at 459 kts with 4,750 nm range. The G550 cruises at 488 kts with 6,750 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Dassault Falcon 900 and Gulfstream G550?
Falcon 900 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C. Seats: 14 vs 18. Cruise: 459 vs 488 kts. Range: 4750 vs 6750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Falcon 900: about $4500/hr variable cost. G550: about $5500/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Falcon 900: 14 seats / 14,000 lb useful load. G550: 18 seats / 27,500 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Falcon 900: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$1,100,000. G550: 7,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$1,300,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data