Posted on September 14th, 2024
The Dassault Falcon 20 is a historic French business jet and the first model in what would become the highly respected Falcon family of corporate aircraft. Developed by Dassault Aviation and introduced in 1965, the Falcon 20 marked the company’s entry into the civilian jet market. Its success paved the way for decades of Falcon innovation and helped establish Dassault as one of the most trusted names in executive and long-range business aviation.
The aircraft was originally powered by a pair of General Electric CF700 turbofan engines, giving it a cruising speed near 500 mph and a range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles. Many aircraft were later upgraded to the more efficient Garrett TFE731 engines, extending performance and service life. The Falcon 20 typically accommodated between 8 and 10 passengers and was favored for its wide fuselage cross-section, smooth ride, and transcontinental capability for mid-range routes.
The Falcon 20 saw widespread use beyond executive transport. It was adapted for cargo transport, maritime patrol, electronic surveillance, calibration, and medical evacuation roles. Notably, the U.S. Coast Guard operated modified Falcon 20s (designated HU-25 Guardian) for search and rescue and environmental protection missions. Several international air forces and government agencies also adopted the type for special missions, highlighting its adaptable airframe and reliability.
Production of the Falcon 20 ended in the 1980s, but the aircraft remained in service in various capacities for decades. It laid the groundwork for future Dassault aircraft such as the Falcon 50 (with trijet configuration), the Falcon 900, and the current generation of long-range Falcons including the Falcon 7X, Falcon 8X, and Falcon 10X.
While the Falcon 20 was instrumental in shaping modern business aviation, it is now considered a legacy aircraft and is no longer offered for charter by JetOptions. Due to age, regulatory compliance, and efficiency standards, it has been retired from most commercial operations.
However, JetOptions provides access to a full range of modern Dassault Falcon aircraft that carry on the brand’s legacy of performance and comfort. These include:
To browse more aircraft options, visit our private jet fleet page, which features light, midsize, supermidsize, heavy, and ultralong-range jets.
While the Falcon 20 is no longer in charter service, JetOptions offers a wide selection of current Dassault Falcon models and other business jets for your travel needs. Let us help you find the right aircraft for your mission.
