Dassault showcases Falcon business jets at Dubai Airshow
Dassault Falcons flying in formation
Dassault Aviation is showcasing its Falcon jets at the Dubai Airshow.
The static display features the Falcon 7X, the Falcon 900LX and a mockup of the all-new Falcon 5X very large body twinjet, which rolled out in June 2015.
The Middle East Falcon fleet has nearly doubled in the last five years, to about 70 aircraft, and continues to grow despite the softness of the current market.
Initial Middle East sales for the ultra-long range Falcon 8X, set to enter the market in the second half of 2016, have also been strong.
Six Falcon 8X’s are already in the test program and recently passed the 300 flight hour mark as the big new trijet progresses right on schedule towards planned certification in the middle of next year.
The third 8X test aircraft is currently being fitted with a full cabin at Dassault’s Little Rock, Arkansas completion facility in anticipation of cabin comfort and acoustic trials.
News from the other new business jet, the Falcon 5X is that more than 25% of initial orders for the twinjet have come from the Middle East.
“Falcons are particularly well suited for conditions in the Middle East, whose operators appreciate the operating performance, comfort and flexibility of Falcon aircraft.”
Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation said: “Falcons are particularly well suited for conditions in the Middle East, whose operators appreciate the operating performance, comfort and flexibility of Falcon aircraft. We are forecasting continued though slower regional growth in the short term, due to prevailing economic conditions, and will continue to invest in the region so we can continue to support our operators with maximum effectiveness.”
Dassault Falcon 7X outside the company’s Bordeaux factory
