Large Cabin•Comparison

Dassault Falcon 7X vs Gulfstream G550

Overview

The Matchup

Two of the best large-cabin jets ever built, now competing on the pre-owned market at increasingly attractive prices. The Falcon 7X brings tri-engine efficiency and unmatched airport access. The G550 brings more range, a longer cabin, and the deepest support network in large-cabin aviation. The acquisition market references below use dated research.

Specifications

Head to Head

Range
Dassault Falcon 7X5,950 NM at Mach 0.80
vs
Gulfstream G5506,750 NM at Mach 0.80 ★

800 NM more range. That's the difference between needing a fuel stop and not on routes like Dubai to New York or London to Tokyo. The G550's range advantage is real and operationally significant.

Max Speed
Dassault Falcon 7XMach 0.90 ★
vs
Gulfstream G550Mach 0.885

Slightly faster, but neither aircraft is built for speed racing. The difference translates to maybe 10 minutes on a long sector.

Cabin Width
Dassault Falcon 7X7 ft 8 in ★
vs
Gulfstream G5507 ft 4 in

Four inches wider. In a large-cabin jet, that's noticeable — especially in seat comfort and lie-flat bed width.

Cabin Length
Dassault Falcon 7X39 ft 1 in
vs
Gulfstream G55043 ft 11 in ★

Nearly 5 feet longer. The G550's cabin supports three generous zones; the 7X's three zones are tighter. For groups of 8+ passengers, this extra length matters.

Cabin Height
Dassault Falcon 7X6 ft 2 in
vs
Gulfstream G5506 ft 2 in
Passengers
Dassault Falcon 7X12–16
vs
Gulfstream G55012–18 ★

More seating capacity reflects the longer cabin.

Ceiling
Dassault Falcon 7X51,000 ft
vs
Gulfstream G55051,000 ft
Takeoff Distance
Dassault Falcon 7X5,710 ft ★
vs
Gulfstream G5505,910 ft

200 feet shorter takeoff. Combined with tri-engine climb performance, the 7X gets off the ground faster and steeper.

Landing Distance
Dassault Falcon 7X2,260 ft ★
vs
Gulfstream G5502,770 ft

Over 500 feet shorter. This is where the Falcon's fly-by-wire and tri-engine design really show up. The 7X accesses London City, Lugano, Aspen, and Samedan. The G550 can't.

Engines
Dassault Falcon 7X3× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A (6,402 lbs each) ★
vs
Gulfstream G5502× Rolls-Royce BR710 (15,385 lbs each)

The Falcon burns roughly 240 gal/hr vs the G550's 340 gal/hr — a 30% fuel efficiency advantage. Three engines to maintain, but significantly less fuel to buy.

2026 Acquisition Market Reference
Dassault Falcon 7X$12.93M–$43.7M Vref (July 2026)
vs
Gulfstream G550$17M–$35M asking (Q3 2026)

Market research reviewed October 8, 2026: Dassault Falcon 7X: $12.93M–$43.7M Vref (July 2026); Gulfstream G550: $17M–$35M asking (Q3 2026). These retain their different source dates and measurement bases. Public asking examples, model-wide valuations and production positions are not interchangeable achieved sale prices. Sources: https://www.duncanaviation.aero/files/aircraft-sales/Business-Jet-Model-Market-Summary-Metric.pdf | https://hagertyjetgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/Hagerty-Jet-Group-Q3-2026-Gulfstream-Market-Report-10-2-26.pdf

Ownership

Cost Comparison

Variable Cost / Hour
Dassault Falcon 7X~$2,470/hr
Gulfstream G550~$2,940/hr
Annual Fixed Costs
Dassault Falcon 7X~$1.2M/yr
Gulfstream G550~$1.1M/yr
Total Annual Cost
Dassault Falcon 7X~$2.2M–$2.4M
Gulfstream G550~$2.3M–$2.5M

Market research reviewed October 8, 2026: Dassault Falcon 7X: $12.93M–$43.7M Vref (July 2026); Gulfstream G550: $17M–$35M asking (Q3 2026). These retain their different source dates and measurement bases. Public asking examples, model-wide valuations and production positions are not interchangeable achieved sale prices. Sources: https://www.duncanaviation.aero/files/aircraft-sales/Business-Jet-Model-Market-Summary-Metric.pdf | https://hagertyjetgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/Hagerty-Jet-Group-Q3-2026-Gulfstream-Market-Report-10-2-26.pdf Operating-cost figures remain historical planning estimates. Compare both aircraft using the same annual hours, fuel price, crew basis, reserves and exclusions.

Model these costs with your own hours, fuel price, and crew.

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Verdict

Which One Wins?

Best for European Operations with Challenging Airports

Falcon 7X

London City, Lugano, Samedan, Aspen, Cannes-Mandelieu — the 7X goes where the G550 can't. If your regular destinations include short or steep-approach airports, the Falcon is the clear winner.

Best for Maximum Range on a Budget

Compare current aircraft offers

Market research reviewed October 8, 2026: Dassault Falcon 7X: $12.93M–$43.7M Vref (July 2026); Gulfstream G550: $17M–$35M asking (Q3 2026). These retain their different source dates and measurement bases. Public asking examples, model-wide valuations and production positions are not interchangeable achieved sale prices. Aircraft age, condition and maintenance commitments can outweigh an apparent model-level price advantage.

Best for Fuel Efficiency

Falcon 7X

30% less fuel burn. At 400 hours per year, that's $250K–$350K in annual fuel savings. The tri-engine configuration is genuinely more efficient.

Best for Large Groups

G550

Five feet of additional cabin length makes a real difference with 10+ passengers. The G550's three zones are more generously proportioned.

Best for Resale Liquidity

G550

With 600+ aircraft built, the G550 has one of the most liquid pre-owned markets in aviation. The Falcon 7X (300+ built) is well-supported but has fewer comparable sales and a thinner market.

Bottom Line

The Final Take

But the Falcon 7X earns its premium for operators who need airport access the G550 can't deliver. If you routinely fly into London City, Alpine airports, or other challenging fields, the 7X's short-field performance is worth every dollar. Add the fuel savings over a 10-year ownership cycle, and the Falcon's total cost of ownership can actually undercut the G550 despite higher acquisition costs. Buy the G550 for range and value. Buy the 7X for airport access and efficiency. Both are outstanding choices in the large-cabin pre-owned market. Market research reviewed October 8, 2026: Dassault Falcon 7X: $12.93M–$43.7M Vref (July 2026); Gulfstream G550: $17M–$35M asking (Q3 2026). These retain their different source dates and measurement bases. Public asking examples, model-wide valuations and production positions are not interchangeable achieved sale prices. Compare aircraft of similar vintage and maintenance position before inferring a model premium.

Deep Dive

Read the Full Guides

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

For airport access and fuel efficiency — yes. For range, cabin length, and pre-owned value — the G550 wins. Different strengths for different missions.

If you operate into challenging airports or prioritize fuel efficiency, the 7X. If maximum range and pre-owned value matter most, the G550.

Historical planning estimate; obtain current aircraft-specific pricing. Very close — the 7X is slightly cheaper per hour due to lower fuel burn. Annual totals differ by $100K–$200K at 400 hours.

Yes. The G550 cannot.

Market research reviewed October 8, 2026: Dassault Falcon 7X: $12.93M–$43.7M Vref (July 2026); Gulfstream G550: $17M–$35M asking (Q3 2026). These retain their different source dates and measurement bases. Public asking examples, model-wide valuations and production positions are not interchangeable achieved sale prices. The sample does not establish a fixed premium or faster resale for every aircraft.

The Falcon 7X — 7'8" vs 7'4". Four inches that translate to noticeable comfort differences on long flights.

Advisory

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Last updated: 2026-10-08