Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Dassault Falcon 900lx
The Bombardier Challenger 650 is best viewed as a large-cabin business jet optimized for reliable, lower-complexity operations and strong comfort on medium-to-long missions. Its typical range is about 4,000 nautical miles, and it commonly seats around 10 to 12 passengers in an executive layout, making it well suited for transcontinental U.S. trips and many North Atlantic city pairs with favorable winds and payload. The Dassault Falcon 900LX is a long-range, large-cabin tri-jet that emphasizes runway performance and operational flexibility, including access to shorter or more challenging airports. It typically offers roughly 4,700 nautical miles of range and usually carries about 12 to 14 passengers, giving it more long-haul margin than the Challenger 650 while retaining a similar cabin class feel. The Dassault Falcon 8X sits above both as an ultra-long-range flagship. With approximately 6,400 nautical miles of range and seating commonly around 12 to 16 passengers, it enables more nonstop intercontinental routes and provides the greatest range capability of the three.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Dassault Falcon 8X | Dassault Falcon 900LX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 7.66 | $ 7.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 17 | 16 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Dassault Falcon | Dassault Falcon |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | 8X | 900LX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 6450 | 4750 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.64 | $ 0.63 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 14 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | 36900 | 22450 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 14 | 14 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 3,805 | $ 3,588 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Honeywell Primus EASy II |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 516 | 498 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $44,000,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 11 | 17 | 16 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 16 | 14 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | FWD / AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 10.2 | 9.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 14 | 14 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 29200 | 25300 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | PW307D | TFE731-60 |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 6722 | 5000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 80.2 | 66.4 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 86.3 | 70.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 7.7 | 7.7 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6.2 | 6.2 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 42.7 | 33.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 26.1 | 24.8 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 29.2 | 23.5 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | 140 | 127 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1695 | 1264 |