Dassault expands Little Rock for 5X and 8X completions

Ground breaking for new Dassault Falcon jet completion centre at Little Rock.

Dassault Falcon began construction for a new private jet completion centre at its facility in Little Rock, Arkansas. The centre will specialise in the two newest additions to Dassault’s Falcon fleet, the Falcon 5X and Falcon 8X and business jets.

Introduced in October 2013 and May 2014 respectively, the new models will significantly expand the Falcon fleet.

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Scheduled to be completed by early 2016 – for initial 5X and 8X deliveries – the $60 million project will add new production and completion space, bringing the total facility footprint to 1.25 million sq ft. The cabinet, upholstery and headliner shops will also be refurbished and older hangars upgraded.

Eric Trapper, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, said: “This undertaking demonstrates a commitment to continue our investment in Little Rock and to ensure the facility will remain at the forefront of completion technology. Little Rock is not only the company’s largest industrial plant, it is also an industry leader in digital completion techniques, which Dassault pioneered.”

John Rossanvallon, president and CEO of Dassault Falcon Jet, said: “Dassault has been completing Falcons in Little Rock for more than 40 years. Over that time span it has built up a wealth of completion know how and experience that is unrivalled in the industry and is so critical to the quality and reputation of Falcon aircraft.”

The expansion follows a $20 million upgrade in 2008 that added four new paint bays, along with new production, design and warehouse space, to accommodate the very long range Falcon 7X.

Governor Mike Beebe added: “Dassault’s Little Rock facility brings international attention to the strength of our state’s aerospace sector. We are proud to include Dassault among the world-class companies that call Arkansas home, and we appreciate its Little Rock workforce whose skill and hard work made this expansion possible.”