AeroTime: How Dassault and Bombardier Can Regain Competitiveness in the Super-Midsize Segment

AeroTime columnist René Armas Maes analyzes the strategic crossroads faced by Dassault and Bombardier in the super-midsize segment. The Falcon 900LX and Challenger 650 have undergone multiple updates, but still trail Gulfstream’s G500 and G400 in terms of productivity index (PI) and range. Both companies are considering refresh strategies to regain competitiveness. A refresh program could help both aircraft maintain competitiveness at a lower capex than a new or derivative program. The analysis suggests that Dassault’s F900LX refresh could deliver a 10.3% PI increase with a 2.5% pricing premium, while Bombardier’s CL650 could boost PI by 21% with a 5-7% price premium. The outcome could impact the market share of Gulfstream’s G500 and G400, as well as the overall super-microjet market. This article was first reported by AeroTime.