UK MoD selects Dassault Falcon 900LX for VIP transport

The UK’s Ministry of Defence has chosen two Dassault Falcon 900LX jets to provide VIP transport for senior officials and, occasionally, members of the Royal Family. Due to begin operating this summer, the Falcons will replace the fleet of four BAe 146 aircraft.

The aircraft have been acquired and will be operated and supported by Centerline AV Limited based in Bristol, UK. Centerline will initially operate the aircraft with mixed civilian and Royal Air Force (RAF) crews.

The Falcons were acquired in an open tender against various other business aircraft models. The aircraft are “modern and efficient”, according to an RAF spokesman. The 12-14 seat 900LX has a range of 4,750 nm (8,800 km) and is fitted with the EASy II flight deck.

Dassault Aviation chairman and CEO, Éric Trappier said: “Dassault Aviation is honoured to have been selected to provide these two Falcon 900LX’s to Centerline for use by the UK Ministry of Defence, and we look forward to strengthening this relationship over the coming years. With more than 550 airplanes sold to date, the 900-series aircraft is a proven performer and is entrusted with critical missions throughout the world by governments and leading businesses.”