Falcon 50EX vs Praetor 500
The Praetor 500 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Dassault Aviation Falcon 50EX (introduced 1996) and the Embraer Executive Jets Praetor 500 (introduced 2019) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Falcon 50EX vs Praetor 500: the key differences
- The Praetor 500 delivers 4% more range (Falcon 50EX: 3,225 nm; Praetor 500: 3,340 nm).
- The Praetor 500 delivers 2% more cruise speed (Falcon 50EX: 459 kt; Praetor 500: 466 kt).
- The Falcon 50EX and Praetor 500 are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 9 seats.
- The Praetor 500 is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 1996 for the Falcon 50EX), a gap of 23 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Falcon 50EX is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (40,780 lbs versus 36,700 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the Falcon 50EX runs 3 engines against 2 on the Praetor 500 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for transcontinental missions, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Falcon 50EX seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Praetor 500 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Falcon 50EX when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Praetor 500 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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Falcon 50EX vs Praetor 500: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Falcon 50EX or the Praetor 500?
The Praetor 500 has the longer published range — 3,340 nm versus 3,225 nm for the Falcon 50EX.
Which is faster, the Falcon 50EX or the Praetor 500?
The Praetor 500 cruises faster, at 466 kt versus 459 kt for the Falcon 50EX.
Which is newer, the Falcon 50EX or the Praetor 500?
The Praetor 500 is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 1996 for the Falcon 50EX.
Is the Falcon 50EX or the Praetor 500 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Falcon 50EX is the larger aircraft — 40,780 lbs versus 36,700 lbs for the Praetor 500.
Should I buy the Falcon 50EX or the Praetor 500?
Choose the Praetor 500 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Falcon 50EX when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Praetor 500 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the Falcon 50EX vs Praetor 500?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.