Dassault Falcon, a leading global provider of business jets, will deliver six Falcons to Middle East customers over the next 18 months, growing its fleet in the region by 10 per cent, said its president and CEO.

“The Middle East business jet market and its infrastructure are continuing to mature,” said John Rosanvallon.

“This is due, in part, to increased globalization but also to the development of larger operators and world class facilities such as the Al Maktoum International Airport.”

More than 60 Falcon business jets already operate in the region.

Dassault Falcon will present its range of business jet offerings at the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) event, from December 11 to 13 at Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport, Dubai World Central.

A Falcon 7X, Falcon 900LX and Falcon 2000S will be displayed at the event.

The network of the US-based company, part of France’s Dassault Aviation, includes authorized service centers in Dubai and Jeddah, a spares distribution center in Dubai and a technical office in Jeddah.

“Falcons are well-suited to the demands of our Middle East customers, offering long range and large, roomy cabins which are ideal for work or rest,” said Renaud Cloatre, Dassault Falcon’s sales director for the Middle East.

“Moreover, Falcons burn 20-40 per cent less fuel and offer up to 50 per cent lower operating costs than some aircraft in their class.”

The Falcon 7X is Dassault’s best selling aircraft and accounts for about 40 per cent of all Dassault Falcon’s Middle East business jet sales. Two of the largest 7X operators in the world are based in the Middle East.

The 7X was the first business jet equipped with a fully digital flight control system, which greatly enhances flight safety and overall comfort. Its 5,950 nm range allows the 7X to serve more than 90 per cent of the city pairs demanded by the typical business aviation traveler. The airplane can connect New York to Riyadh, Jeddah to Recife or Dubai to Darwin.

The 7X can fly multiple short hops and then proceed onto the final destination without being refueled. It is capable of landing on short airfields and the most challenging airports.

The 3,350 nm Falcon 2000S is fitted with inboard slats and winglets that allow it to land at airfields that normally can only be served by much smaller midsize jets. Flight test performance is better than figures announced when the aircraft was unveiled in May 2011.The Falcon 2000S can fly from Dubai to Paris or Riyadh to London City Airport.

The 4,000 nm Falcon 2000LXS, introduced last October, is equipped with the same inboard slats and winglets as the 2000S. The 2000LXS will combine the short field performance of the 2000S and the climb and cruise capabilities of the 2000LX. The Falcon 2000LXS can fly from Dubai to London or Hong Kong. – TradeArabia News Service