Dassault Falcon Poised for Growth in the Middle East

DUBAI, UAE, December 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Middle East Business Aviation 2012: Dubai World Central, 11-13 December 2012

Dassault Falcon sees demand for business jets recovering throughout the Middle East, spurred on by large regional operators and the increased globalization of commerce.

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Plans call for Dassault to deliver six Falcons to Middle East customers over the next 18 months, growing its fleet by 10%. More than 60 Falcon business jets already operate in the region.

"The Middle East business jet market and its infrastructure are continuing to mature," said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. "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."

Dassault Falcon will present its range of business jet offerings at the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) event, from 11-13 December 2012. A Falcon 7X, Falcon 900LX and Falcon 2000S will be displayed at Dubai World Central.

Dassault Falcon continues to expand its Middle East sales and support network in order to serve this dynamic market. 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: Tailored for the Middle East Market

"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," says Renaud Cloatre, Dassault Falcon's sales director for the Middle East. "Moreover, Falcons burn 20-40% less fuel and offer up to 50% lower operating costs than some aircraft in their class."

The Falcon 7X is Dassault's best selling aircraft and accounts for about 40% 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. Saudia Private Aviation, the business aviation arm of Saudi Arabian Airlines, flies four of the advanced trijets, making it the largest 7X operator in the region. Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group manages three Falcon 7Xs on behalf of owners.

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% 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 also offers unparalleled flexibility of operation. It can fly multiple short hops and then proceed onto the final destination without being refueled. And it is capable of landing on short airfields and the most challenging airports. For instance, it is the only business jet in its category able to operate from short runways like La Mole St Tropez in France or to meet the demanding requirements of London City Airport, with its steep approach and noise restrictions.

The 3,350 nm Falcon 2000S was shown for the first time at the NBAA in Orlando in October. Set for certification in the first quarter of 2013, the 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 City or Hong Kong.

About Dassault Falcon

Dassault Falcon is responsible for selling and supporting Falcon business jets throughout the world. It is part of Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 70 countries across five continents. Dassault Aviation produces the Rafale fighter jet as well as the complete line of Falcon business jets. The company has assembly and production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on multiple continents. It employs a total workforce of over 12,000. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, over 2,200 Falcon jets have been delivered to 80 countries worldwide. The family of Falcon jets currently in production includes the tri-jets-the Falcon 900LX, and the 7X-as well as the twin-engine 2000LX, 2000LXS and Falcon 2000S.

Press Contacts

Dassault Aviation (Saint-Cloud, France)
Vadim Feldzer Tel. +33-1-47-11-44-13
Marie-Alexandrine Fouillard Tel. +33-1-47-11-64-23

Dassault Falcon (Teterboro Airport, USA)
Andrew Ponzoni Tel. +1-201-541-45-88
Grant Kielczewski Tel. +1-201-541-46-79

Photos

Hi Res Photos at: http://www.falconphotogallery.com (USER ID: dassault - PASSWORD: falcon)

SOURCE Dassault Falcon