Altitudes Arabia #20

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THE FALCON 2000S Dassault’s Latest Good Value Offering It has it all – the gracefulness and style of a true Falcon, a large cabin of the 2000 series, an interior by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, a high-tech cockpit, and performance to leave others behind. At the same time, the 2000S costs less per cubic foot of cabin space than its competitors, while burning less fuel. A stylish largecabin business jet that costs less than a midsize counterpart? Sounds like a good offer. BY Ivan Veretennikov

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his really is the second new aircraft from the French manufacturer in a relatively short time;

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only six years have passed since the maiden flight of the ultra-long-range 7X. Although the 2000S may look like another version of the 2000 series at first glance, important changes have been introduced to the design and philosophy of the machine, making it a new model rather than a simple variation of the existing Falcon 2000. This isn’t the long-awaited SMS (super-midsize) that Dassault is designing to replace the retired Falcon 50. This newcomer is the result of extensive research among operators and owners of the French aircraft. It turned out that people want something based on the 2000 platform, with a range of 3,350nm (6,200km), a higher fuel economy and better field performance. Thus, the 2000S was born, with the same cabin as its more expensive siblings, but with a more modest appetite and competing with midsize rather than large business jets in cost.

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Original This might be a bit too obvious, but this aircraft has two engines. It is worth making the point, however, because Dassault is now the only manufacturer in the world that makes tri-jets; the Falcon 900 and 7X boast that extra feeling of safety, especially when flying over the ocean, and a unique look, which many find appealing. This bird is a twin, but possesses the exquisite mix of French charm and military heritage to make a bold statement anywhere it goes. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C engines, with a maximum thrust of 7000lbs (31.37kN), have already proven their worth in the 2000 series. And now they feature the new TALON2 combustor that reduces NOx emissions by another 20 percent from the already low output of the previous generation.

This means that the new engines will emit 40 percent of the maximum allowed by the current Committee on Aviation Environment Protection (CAEP/6) regulations. Green is the new big trend,

With the largest cabin in its class – 8 X 2.34 X 1.88m, the 2000S easily beats the competition in terms of cabin comfort.

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Dassault allows pilots to see through pitch-black fog and terrain to make the flight safer and more enjoyable, which is a nice philosophy on which to base a business jet. but not everyone can be convinced, just by citing eco-friendly figures. Consider this, though; an engine clogs the atmosphere less because it is more efficient. New engines are lighter and have a better thrust-to-weight ratio – and they burn less fuel. Now, as long as the performance is not affected, economy can convince anyone, even someone who drives a 6-litre V12 to the airport.

So ‘green’ isn’t just about the ecology.

The Dassault EASy flight deck has received many comments from pilots as being the most advanced and straightforward.

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Unique The Falcon 2000S looks a lot like the 2000LX from the outside, but this is no plain rebranding effort. Dassault claims that the wings installed on the new bird are the most efficient in business aviation, and this manufacturer is known in the industry for creating amazing wing designs. The Aviation Partners blended winglets help reduce drag at high speed and improve efficiency, but the real innovation lies in the extendable inboard slats like those on the 900LX. They improve the lift of the aircraft, giving it better field performance, longer flight range, access to steep approach airports such as London City, and a higher maximum landing weight. The latter is useful when a short hop is needed before a long-range flight; fill the machine up once at the origin, do the short leg and depart straight away – without having to burn excess fuel or wait for the fuel truck.

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Hi-tech The cockpit is a key element in flight safety. An intuitive and informative flight deck that reduces pilot workload is a must in business aviation, and manufacturers are keen to offer trademark solutions, among which the Dassault EASy flight deck has received many comments from pilots as being the most advanced and straightforward. EASy is an abbreviation of Enhanced Avionics System, created by a team comprising Dassault and Honeywell specialists and expert fighter pilots.

Hence the head-up display, layout of the four large monitors, and cockpit ergonomics. The Falcon 2000S goes even further in that it features EASy II, a software and hardware upgrade featuring improved accessibility to airports with WAAS LPV (a system improving the accuracy, integrity, and availability of air navigation) and RNP SAAAR (special FAA requirements for certain instrument approaches), improved display symbology, and an optional Synthetic Vision System. Dassault allows pilots to see through pitch-black fog and terrain to make the flight safer and more enjoyable, which is a nice philosophy on which to base a business jet.

Comfortable With the largest cabin in its class - 8 x 2.34 x 1.88m, the 2000S easily beats the competition in terms of cabin comfort, though, to be fair, it is a large-cabin aircraft in a super-midsize market.

Dassault claims that the interior was designed for ten people to work, eat, and relax in. The legroom, tables, electronics, and available amenities are all in place, but eight passengers might have enjoyed a bit more comfort and space, especially on the longer flights. BMW Group DesignworksUSA is a proven leader in aircraft interior design, and the partnership has left the 2000S with a very stylish, light, and ergonomic cabin, while the features are state-of-the-art: HD TV monitors, media centre with iPod ports, and an AirCell Axxess II Iridium telephone system to stay connected.

A very stylish, light and ergonomic cabin, while the features are state-of-the-art.

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Dassault Falcon 2000S Specifications PERFORMANCE Max Range 6,200km / 3,350nm Max Cruise Speed 0.86 Mach Take-off Distance 1,360m / 4,462ft Landing Distance 790m / 2,592ft VMO 370 KIAS Certified Ceiling 14,326m / 47,000ft

From Dubai, it will reach London, Mauritius, Bangkok and Beijing in one go.

DIMENSIONS Length 20.23m / 66ft 5in Height 7.06m / 23ft 2in Wingspan 21.38m / 70ft 2in

CABIN Passengers + Crew 10 + 3 Max. Height 1.88m / 6ft 2in Max. Width 2.34m / 7ft 8in Length (excluding cockpit) 7.98m / 26ft 2in

ENGINES 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C 7,000lbs max thrust

LIMITATIONS Max Take-off Weight 18,600kg / 41,006lbs Max Landing Weight 17,800kg / 39,242lbs Max Fuel Weight 6,620kg / 14,595lbs

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Popular The $25 million price tag makes the Falcon 2000S a very attractive option in the super-midsize range – especially seeing that it is in point of fact a large-cabin jet with a smaller appetite. Claimed to be 20 percent as economical as its competitors, it will offer a stand-up whisper-quiet cabin, trademark Dassault Falcon handling, performance and technology, interior design by a leader in this field, and some very exciting innovations – the brand-new wing and EASy II cockpit. From Dubai, it will reach London, Mauritius, Bangkok and Beijing in one go, catering to the needs of a large number of owners and corporations. From London or Geneva it can fly as far as Novosibirsk and Dubai to the East and Gander to the West. Customers will have to wait, however, with certification slotted for 2012 and first deliveries scheduled for the year after. And although the ‘green’ aspect is for now the height of fashion in Europe rather than Russia or the Middle East, its overall parameters make the Falcon 2000S worth the wait, whether you prefer a 6-litre V12 or a bamboo ❚ bicycle to get to the airport.

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WHAT YOU CAN HAVE FOR $30 MILLION

Now Bigger than Ever After three years of economic turbulence, the new and pre-owned markets offer great options for almost any buyer – especially someone ready to invest $30 million. In today’s market, this sum can cater to practically any need. It’s time for quick thinking, however; the best options are being snatched up. BY Ivan Veretennikov

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Y The Hawker 4000 is a truly 21st Century aircraft with an all-composite airframe and modern wing, but it retains its ‘British workhorse’ heritage

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ou may find some similarities here to an article we ran two years ago on aircraft that could be bought for $40 million, in that a certain budget is in place and various aircraft are reviewed in terms of a number of parameters, mainly the correlation with price, range, and cabin size. However, there are differences.

Firstly, prices have gone down quite dramatically for pre-owned aircraft and manufacturers may offer discounts for some of their models

when bought new, so the sum we will be dealing with will be much smaller. Secondly, managing a whole fleet of aircraft is a great burden in operating costs, as well as an administrative challenge, leading to a lot more spending, other than the initial purchase price.

We won’t be looking at a corporate flight department or a private jet portfolio: Here we discuss the acquisition of a single aircraft, its why-buys, the type of mission it can take care

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of and, in many cases, the money that can be saved for future operating costs – which, of course, is a good thing.

Variety of Choice With $30 million, you have access to almost any aircraft out there – some new and some pre-owned. Starting from a reliable, new super-midsize jet like the Hawker 4000, onto the brand-new, large-cabin Falcon 2000S with midsize costs, and on to much bigger aircraft. David Wyndham, Vice President of Conklin & de Decker, goes on to say: “You can even have a chance at a very early serial number Bombardier Global Express or Gulfstream G500 for around $30 to 32 million. There are also VIP aircraft than can be purchased for under $30 million, but they are not likely to be a newer Boeing BBJ or Airbus ACJ. However, for well under $30 million there are Boeing 727 and early-model 737 aircraft, configured for VIP service.”

Regional Differences Such variety means that you really have to know what you are after before you get down to the offers. Based in the Middle East, you will probably have a different set of criteria to an aircraft owner in Europe, where flight distances are usually shorter. Brian Foley of Brian Foley Associates points out some considerations: "In Europe, it’s possible that most flights within the continent can be made with a small or mid-sized cabin aircraft. Conversely, trips from the Middle East and Russia, will probably require a longer-range aircraft to

provide comfort and performance capability.

However, if a long-range trip is needed only once or twice per year, thought should be given to buying the smaller aircraft and making that extra fuel stop, or flying commercially."

To be more precise, for a traveller in the Middle East an aircraft should offer a range of at least around 3,000nm (5,560km) to make London accessible from Dubai. As Rolland Vincent, President of Rolland Vincent Associates LLC, puts it: "If my aircraft was based in Dubai, I would want to reach Farnborough,

The recently-announced Dassault Falcon 2000S competes with midsize jets in price and operating costs while beating them in cabin size and performance.

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A one-year old Falcon 2000LX boasts increased range over its earlier counterparts while having very slow depreciation.

which is 2,982nm, with no winds. The new aircraft that can do this mission within the said budget are the 'large' class of jets such as Legacy 650, Challenger 605, and Falcon 2000LX. Another option is to purchase a preowned aircraft that has more capability and a larger cabin. An example is a 10-year old Gulfstream V, which can fly more than 6,000nm nonstop [bringing New York in range of Dubai]."

Before You Buy There are some important things to think about, however. The GV and Global Express aircraft available for our budget of $30 million would be more expensive to operate than

New

Pre-Owned (1-3yrs)

Second hand

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brand-new machines. Besides, there aren't too many good offers left on the market. Experts explain that business jets of this class have been the strongest-selling, both before and throughout the economic downturn, and weren't affected as much during that time.

A bigger aircraft costs more to operate, while the principal mission might be better served with a smaller aircraft. David Wyndham comments: "We do not suggest getting the biggest aircraft that you can afford. We recommend getting the best-value aircraft for your requirements, within your budget."

A Selection of Models So, what kind of models can we consider for

$30 million, and what kind of missions can they accomplish? The new aircraft fall in the super-mid-size category – they are the Challenger 300 ($25m), Falcon 2000S ($25m), Gulfstream G280 (renamed from the G250 in mid-July, it retains its price tag of around $24m) and the Hawker 4000 ($24m). The biggest new aircraft that can be acquired within our budget is the $29.5 million Embraer Legacy 650 that arguably has all the makings of a winner, with a 3,900nm (7,223km) range and a much larger cabin than that of the above. The popularity of its predecessor, the Legacy 600, in the Middle East, due to a very favourable mix of range, size, and price, may prove another key point for sales in the re-

Model

Manufacturer

Category

Price Tag ($M)

Range (nm)

Hawker 4000

Hawker

Super Midsize

24

3260

"Composite airframe, ""workhorse"" legacy, attractive price"

+

Falcon 2000S

Dassault

Super Midsize

25

3350

Fuel Efficiency, large cabin at midsize costs

Legacy 650

Embraer

Large

28

3900

Best range/cabin volume/price/costs ratio

Challenger 300

Bombardier

Super Midsize

25

3100

Widest and most spacious-feeling cabin for under $25 m

G280

Gulfstream

Super Midsize

24

3400

Hi-tech jet from one of the most advanced OEMs

Challenger 605 - 1 year old

Bombardier

Large

Approx 30

4010

Very wide and spacious cabin, sells great on charter market

Falcon 2000LX - 1 year old

Dassault

Large

Approx 30

4000

Fighter heritage, advanced wing, fuel efficiency

Falcon 900EX - 3 year old

Dassault

Large

Approx 30

4500

Three engines, EASy cockpit, fuel efficiency

G450 - 3 year old

Gulfstream

Large

Approx 30

4350

Slow depreciation, good all-rounder, modern family

Global Express

Bombardier

Long range

Approx 30

6150

Great range, biggest cabin in class, high operating costs

G500

Gulfstream

Long range

Approx 30

5800

Advanced cockpit, fast climb, modern family

Gulfstream V

Gulfstream

Long range

Approx 30

6675

Enormous range, difficult to find, about 10 years

B737 Converted

Boeing

Airliners

Approx 30

~4000

Huge cabin, old model, not for every airport

A319 Converted

Airbus

Airliners

Approx 30

~4000

Huge cabin, old model, not for every airport

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A great all-rounder, the G450 features long range, a large cabin, but will cost quite a lot in operation.

gion. The price tag of $30 million can also buy a one-year old Challenger 605 and Falcon 2000LX, or a three-year old Falcon 900EX or Gulfstream G450. Depending on the typical flight distance, passenger and baggage load, necessity to land at challenging airports, and some other considerations, each of these options can also prove suitable. Add personal tastes and brand preferences, and the choice will generally be down to one or two models.

It’s worth remembering that it’s not the biggest aircraft that necessarily wins. David Wyndham says: “You can buy a new mid-size jet for $15 million and operate it for little more than the interest received from investing the remaining $15 million!”

Alexey Korolev of consulting firm Upcast gave Altitudes Arabia the following comment: “In terms of performance, the best aircraft within this budget may be a pre-owned Gulfstream V at around $24 million, but there aren’t too many of them on sale. The Challenger 300 is an interesting option among new aircraft. It costs around $24.3 million and offers one of the best price/quality/performance combinations in the super-midsize category. Both of the above are suitable for owners in the Middle East, who usually fly longer distances than the Europeans.”

Unique Advantages Generally speaking, Gulfstreams can fly farther than the competition; the G450 achieving 4,350nm (8,056km) and putting New York within a nonstop flight from Moscow or making the entire African continent and Tokyo accessible out of Dubai. The Legacy is unbeatable in cabin length, while its narrow fuselage may seem claustrophobic to a Challenger 605 lover; the barrel shape of the Bombardier jet makes it one of the most proportionally spacious aircraft on the market.

If cutting-edge is your only solution, the super-midsize Gulfstream G280 will offer much of what’s inside the innovative G650 – in a smaller cabin, including smartphonecontrolled interior features, a new wing, and

The advanced midsize G250 was recently renamed G280.

The large-cabin Falcon 2000.

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At $24 million the Challenger 300 is one of the best choices.

The Challenger 605 is a lot larger but will be three years old.

A Legacy 650 is the biggest new cabin you can get.

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Don't expect to get a Global Express this side of 10 years old, but it will still have amazing range, payload, and cabin space.

advanced avionics. The Hawker 4000 is an advanced composite aircraft bringing together the Hawker heritage and an all-new design.

Dassault has just announced the Falcon 2000S, boasting a large cabin for a super-midsize price. Its 3,350nm (6,208km) range and advanced wing features of the more expensive 900 series, coupled with trademark efficiency, should make it a bestseller in its category.

Grass is Greener ‘Green’ aircraft are in, and many customers are interested in keeping emissions low. To this end, some experts consider Dassault jets the most efficient business aircraft, compared to others in their class. According to Rolland Vincent: “Dassault Falcon aircraft have a welldeserved reputation for low fuel-burn and

emissions. On a head-to-head comparison basis, Falcon aircraft burn less fuel, but give up little or nothing in handling quality, speed, cabin comfort, etc. For example, the $50m Falcon 7X burns 4,985lbs of fuel on a 1,000nm, four-passenger mission, according to the latest B&CA Purchase Planning Handbook (May 2011). The $49m Global 5000 burns 6,747lbs (35 percent more); the $45.5m Gulfstream G500 burns 5,511lbs (about 11 percent more).

The same is true for the Falcon 2000LX versus the Challenger 605 (which burns 21 percent more fuel), with each priced around $31 to 32 million new.”

The Time to Buy Experts agree that, although some of the best deals may already have been closed, market

conditions are still very favourable. Brian Foley comments: “Prices are at or near their lowest in a long time. It doesn’t matter if you’re buying new, used, large or small – now is a good time to be analysing what’s out there before the best deals begin to disappear.”

Considering typical mission, operating costs, efficiency, availability of support and spare parts in the region of operation, and other important factors, you will narrow your choice down to a handful of options, each with a unique set of advantages. Whatever the available sum, it’s a buyer’s market, both for new and pre-owned aircraft. Today, $30 million can buy almost anything – a nice change from the hype of a few years ago. And it’s a great time ❚ to go shopping.

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