Dassault Falcon 2000LXS jets to be built in India
Dassault Falcon business aircraft will be built outside of France for the first time following a new deal between Dassault Aviation and Indian firm Reliance Aerostructure.
Announced on Wednesday at the Paris Air Show, the deal will see joint venture company Dassault Reliance Aerospace (DRAL) assemble 2000LXS aircraft at a facility in Nagpur in the western state of Maharashtra. The company plans to fly its first aircraft assembled in India by 2028.
“This new agreement, which will make DRAL the first centre of excellence for Falcon assembly outside France and which will eventually enable the establishment of a final assembly line for the Falcon 2000, illustrates, once again, our firm intent to meet our ‘Make in India’ commitments, and to contribute to the recognition of India as a major partner in the global aerospace supply chain,” said Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO, Dassault Aviation.
India will join the small number of countries manufacturing new business jets alongside the US, France, Canada and Brazil. Dassault plans to transfer fuselage and wing assembly operations for the 2000LXS to India, as well as undertake major facility upgrades. The French OEM will also transfer the assembly of the front section of Falcon 8X and 6X.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat [self reliant India]’ and ‘Make in India for the World’. Our partnership with Dassault Aviation for manufacturing of Falcon business jets in India is a defining moment for the country, aviation industry and the Reliance Group,” said Anil D. Ambani, founder and chairman, Reliance Group.
The joint venture between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure was established in 2017. Operations commenced with the building of a manufacturing facility at the multi modal international cargo hub and airport at Nagpur (Mihan) in the same year. Since delivering its first Falcon 2000 front section in 2019, DRAL has assembled over 100 major subsections for the Falcon 2000.
DRAL is expected to recruit several hundred engineers and technicians over the next decade to support its expanding operations.
Elsewhere at the Paris Air Show, German charter operator Luminair revealed on Tuesday it is set to add three Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft to its charter fleet before the end of the year.
The aircraft will join the three Citation XLS jets operated by Luminair, which obtained its air operator certificate (AOC) in November 2024.
“We are extremely pleased that Luminair has decided to go with the Falcon 900LX,” said Carlos Brana, executive vice president, Civil Aircraft for Dassault Aviation, at a news conference held for the announcement. “They are the first fleet operator of the aircraft. We consider it a fantastic airplane, perfectly suited for the trips Luminair is flying.”
