The Bombardier Global 6000 and Dassault Falcon 8X are two highly capable long-range jets.
Both aircraft can fly non-stop for over 6,000 nautical miles, can cruise at over 500 knots, and both are approved to operate at London City Airport.
However, what are the key differences to help you decide which aircraft you should choose?
In order to aid in this comparison we will be using our Premium service comparison feature, which you can learn more about here.
Performance
Both the Global 6000 and Falcon 8X have very similar performance characteristics, despite the Falcon 8X having one additional engine.
The Bombardier Global 6000 is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710-A2-20 engines. Each engine is capable of producing up to 14,750 lbs of thrust. As a result, the total thrust output for the Global 6000 is 29,500 lbs.
On the other hand, the Dassault Falcon 8X is powered by three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307D engines. Each engine is capable of producing up to 6,722 lbs of thrust. As a result, the total thrust output for the Falcon 8X is 20,166 lbs.
Therefore, despite the additional engine of the Falcon 8X, the lower thrust per engine results in a lower thrust output overall.
However, this doesn’t impact performance too much.
The Bombardier Global 6000 is capable of cruising at Mach 0.89, whereas the Falcon 8X is able to cruise slightly faster at Mach 0.90.
When it comes to extracting the maximum range out of the aircraft the Global 6000’s long-range cruise speed is Mach 0.82, while the Falcon 8X is able to cruise at Mach 0.85.
Both aircraft have a maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 feet. However, the Falcon 8X is able to get there quicker with a climb rate of 3,750 feet compared with the 3,300 feet per minute of the Global 6000.
The difference in hourly fuel burn of these two aircraft is quite considerable with the Falcon 8X being far more efficient. On average the Falcon 8X burns 347 gallons of Jet A fuel per hour while the Global 6000 drinks 470 gallons per hour.
This is an extremely considerable difference in fuel consumption. At $5 per gallon, this means the Global 6000 costs $615 more per hour in fuel compared with the 8X. If you were flying 300 hours per year then this would be nearly $200,000 in additional fuel costs.
Range
In terms of maximum range, the Falcon 8X outperforms the Global 6000.
The Global 6000 is capable of flying up to 6,000 nautical miles (6,905 miles / 11,112 kms) without needing to refuel.
In comparison, the Falcon 8X is capable of flying up to 6,450 nautical miles (7,423 miles / 11,945 kms) without needing to refuel.
Both aircraft are capable of flying non-stop from New York to all of North America, South America, and Europe, along with most of Africa and Asia.
Therefore, both aircraft will comfortably be able to transport you from North America to Europe.
Even from Los Angeles both aircraft are able to fly non-stop to virtually all of Europe.
However, it is important to note that the manufacturer stated range figures assume optimum weather conditions and minimum weight. Therefore, real-world figures will vary, especially when you start to load up with passengers, baggage, and have a headwind.
Therefore, using the interactive range map on Compare Private Planes Premium we can see how the range is impacted with passengers onboard.
With passengers onboard, both aircraft can still comfortably complete the missions mentioned above. However, New York to parts of the Middle East will no longer be viable. However, the Falcon 8X should be able to fly non-stop from New York to Dubai without too many issues.
Ground Performance
Both aircraft have exceptional ground performance for their size and this is best highlighted by their ability to operate from London City Airport.
Given the steep approach and departure of London City Airport due to the skyscrapers nearby, only certain approved aircraft (along with approved pilots), are capable of operating there.
Therefore, not just any aircraft can do it.
However, both the Global 6000 and Falcon 8X are capable.
In terms of actual figures, the Bombardier Global 6000 has a minimum take-off distance of 6,476 feet. Whereas the Dassault Falcon 8X has a minimum take-off distance of just 5,910 feet.
This is a difference in ground performance that may, in some select cases, prove to be beneficial for the Falcon 8X.
In many circumstances when comparing two similar aircraft, the differences in ground performance are so minimal that finding a situation in which it would actually make a difference is tricky.
However, a difference of over 500 feet is important.
When it comes to minimum landing distance, it is pretty much identical between the Global 6000 and Falcon 8X.
The Global 6000 has a minimum landing distance of 2,236 feet. Whereas the minimum landing distance of the Falcon 8X is 2,240 feet.
Much like the range figures, it is important to note that these ground performance figures are assuming optimum conditions and are the absolute minimum. However, it provides a good comparison with equal conditions.
Interior Dimensions
On the inside of these two aircraft, you will find a very similar amount of space.
The Global 6000’s interior measures 43.24 feet in length, 6.17 feet in height, and 7.91 feet in width.
In comparison, the Dassault Falcon 8X measures 42.65 feet in length, 6.17 feet in height, and 7.68 feet in width.
Each dimension provides different benefits.
For example, a longer cabin will allow for more living zones, a greater number of passengers, and more features, such as a shower or dining room.
Additionally, a wider cabin will allow for more shoulder room, wider seats, and a wider aisle. A wider aisle makes it easier to move around the cabin during flight.
A taller cabin means that a greater number of people will be able to stand up straight and again move around the cabin more easily.
A wider and taller cabin combined results in a more spacious feeling interior.
Therefore, in terms of absolute passenger capacity, the Global 6000 benefits from its longer cabin.
Additionally, the marginally wider cabin of the Global 6000 will provide some increased comfort. However, the difference is relatively marginal.
Consequently, the Bombardier Global 6000 is able to carry up to 17 passengers, with a typical passenger capacity of 13. In comparison, the Falcon 8X has a maximum passenger capacity of 16, however, most configurations only have space for 14 passengers.
Interior
Deliveries of the Global 6000 began in 2012, compared with deliveries of the Falcon 8X starting in 2016.
Therefore, given these aircraft were designed in the same era there are many similarities in design style and comfort.
One area that is often overlooked is the cabin altitude of aircraft. A lower cabin altitude results in a more pleasant cabin environment, along with reducing the impact of jet lag. Therefore, lower is better.
The maximum cabin altitude of the Global 6000 is just 5,680 feet compared with a maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet for the Falcon 8X.
However, the Falcon 8X is able to maintain a sea level cabin until 30,300 feet while the Global 6000 maintains a sea level cabin to 30,125 feet.
Bombardier Global 6000
Unsurprisingly the Global 6000 has a well-appointed interior. The interior has been designed to bring you the smoothest, most refreshing, and productive experience possible from a business jet.
Thanks to the widest cabin in its class, more room is on offer than its nearest competitor. In Bombardier’s own words; “with outstanding width, higher armrests, and an impeccably shaped backrest, the new seats allow passengers to enjoy a delightful and inviting experience, ideally suited to long-distance travel. Whether you wish to work, rest or play, time will simply fly by as you sit back in this exceptional interior.”
The galley features hardwood flooring, seats sculpted to the human body, and elegantly designed lines. Featuring Bombardier’s cabin management system you can control the whole cabin from your fingertips. The ultra-fast and intuitive media bay allows you to watch films, live stream, and display documents on the TV monitors.
Bombardier has even developed the cabin management system to be controllable from your mobile device (iOS and Android). The media bay onboard allows you to connect a host of devices, such as game consoles, Blu-ray players, and digital media players.
The 6000 has the fastest available in-flight internet connectivity worldwide based on Ka-band technology. Join video conferences, stream films, and even online game. Bombardier offers a variety of data packages. These packages allow you to find the right speed for your needs. Ka-band technology is the fastest in the air (up to 15 Mbps). Additionally, Ka-band provides the best coverage and reliability.
At the rear of the aircraft, you will find the stateroom. This adds “a sense of tranquility” with large windows providing ample natural light. The stateroom features a full-berth divan, spacious wardrobe, independent temperature control, and lavatory area.
When you are flying above the clouds on a long flight it is imperative that you eat well. The large fully-equipped galley guarantees this. Substantial storage capacity and extensive work surfaces allow for greater meal capabilities.
Finally, ensure that your crew are always performing at their best. A dedicated crew rest area will take care of this.
If you would like to configure your own Global 6000 then simply head over to Bombardier’s configurator.
Bombardier Global 6000
Dassault Falcon 8X
Dassault Falcon 8X
The cabin of the Falcon 8X is a truly special place to be. With a maximum capacity of 16 passengers, there are over 30 different layouts that can be optioned on this aircraft. This can be configured to your exact specifications (or if chartering will depend on their configuration), but a common layout is to have 14 seats across the three sections of the cabin, allowing for 6 fully flat beds.
Being the longest cabin of any Dassault Falcon in the sky (13 meters long to be precise), every center meter of the cabin is used efficiently and is claimed by Dassault to be the industry’s most flexible cabin.
With a maximum cabin altitude of just 6,000 feet and being able to maintain a cabin altitude of 3,900 feet when cruising at 41,000 feet, this is much lower than you will find on any airliner and most other business jets. This, combined with the exceptionally quiet cabin noise level of just 49 dB, will ensure that you can work, relax or sleep in the most comfortable environment possible and that you arrive at your destination as fresh as possible.
Featuring the FalconCabin HD+ cabin management system you have control over the environment from anywhere in the cabin (yes, even if you are lying in bed). If you opt for the Skybox you can store iTunes videos and music on the server which can be accessed wirelessly throughout the cabin.
The options for layout in this cabin go above and beyond any other business jet on the market. With three extra feet than the 7X to play with, you will be surprised with how much extra space is available.
Why not option the three-lounge cabin with a shower in the rear and a crew rest in the front? Or maybe you want a shorter entranceway so that you have more lounge space. Perhaps a large entranceway in order to accommodate spacious, lie-flat crew quarters and a larger galley in order to enjoy gourmet meals while you are in the sky.
Charter Price
When it comes to chartering these aircraft the Global 6000 is less expensive than the Falocn 8X.
However, please note that there are many factors that influence the price of a private jet charter. Therefore, prices will vary depending on the mission.
The estimated hourly charter price of the Global 6000 is $8,100.
In comparison, the estimated hourly charter price of the Falcon 8X is $9,250.
Purchase Price
And finally, how much does each aircraft cost to buy?
The new list price for these aircraft results in the Global 6000 being more expensive initially, with a new list price of $62 million.
In comparison, the Dassault Falcon 8X has a new list price of $58 million.
However, the Falcon 8X holds its value better, therefore placing it as more expensive on the pre-owned market for aircraft of the same age.
For example, a 2018 Global 6000 has an estimated value of $31.8 million while a Falcon 8X of the same age has an estimated value of $40 million.
Additionally, the annual depreciation rate of the Bombardier Global 6000 is far higher than that of the Falcon 8X at 9.76% compared with 7.05% respectively.
This, therefore, means that after 3 years of ownership, the 2018 Global 6000 will be worth around $23 million while the same-age Falcon 8X will be worth around $32 million.
All values and estimations are courtest of Compare Private Planes Premium.
Summary
So, which aircraft should you buy?
Both aircraft present compelling offers for long-range aircraft that can comfortably cross the Atlantic without issue and fly between continents.
However, the Falcon 8X presents an offer that holds its value extremely well and is more efficient, all while being capable of keeping up with the Global 6000.
One area that is important to consider is the number of aircraft in service as this will directly impact the ease of obtaining one of these aircraft.
There are over 300 Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft in service while there are just over 100 Falcon 8X in service. Therefore, if you are buying a pre-owned example, you will likely find a suitable Global 6000 faster than you will find a suitable Falcon 8X.
