Dassault Falcon, a unit of France-based Dassault Aviation, has announced the sale of two business jets to Wallan Aviation, a prominent Middle East general aviation company.

A pre-owned Falcon 900EX EASy II will be delivered by the end of the 2012 and a new Falcon 900LX in the second quarter of 2013, a company statement said.

Wallan Aviation will operate both aircraft for the company's own use with the option of offering one or both aircraft to the charter market. The sale marks Wallan Aviation's entry into the Dassault Falcon range and large cabin segment.

The tri-engine Falcon 900LX is the most efficient airplane in its class, with a fuel burn up to 40 per cent lower than other comparable aircraft. The Falcon 900LX flies 4,750 nm non-stop and can connect Dubai with Beijing, Jeddah to Cape Town, Riyadh to Chengdou, or Dammam to Singapore.

Saad Wallan, chairman of Wallan Aviation and a board member of MEBAA and the Saudi Aviation Club, said: "We chose the Falcon 900LX because of its advanced technology and efficient performance and range, its go anywhere flexibility and its resale value.

“For example, the Falcon 900's range connects Riyadh or Dubai directly with Shannon airport in Ireland, where passengers can clear customs immigration for the whole of the US. Falcons are increasingly proving themselves with operators in the region and this helps develop experience and build confidence in the Falcon range, which also has attractive emissions and environmental credentials."

Dassault already plans to deliver six Falcons to Middle East customers over the next 18 months, growing its fleet by 10 per cent. More than 60 Falcon business jets currently operate in the region.

Gilles Gautier, VP Sales for Dassault Falcon, said: "We are delighted to announce this Falcon sale to Wallan Aviation, which is a well established and highly respected general aviation company in the Middle East.

“It represents the confidence that is returning to the regional market and underlines the commitment we continue to make to the Middle East, where we have invested to expand our infrastructure and support team."

Dassault Falcon continues to expand its Middle East sales and support network. In addition to the Dubai office, the network 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," added Gilles Gautier. "Falcons burn 20-40 per cent less fuel and offer up to 50 per cent lower operating costs than some aircraft in their class." – TradeArabia News Service