Dassault Falcon Business Jet Sales set for Further Growth in the Middle East as Presence and Support Infrastructure Develops Across the Region

DUBAI, UAE, November 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Dubai Air Show 2011, November 13-17, Chalets 40-42

Despite recent challenging market conditions, Dassault Falcon, the business jet operation of Dassault Aviation, has a fleet of more than 60 Falcon business jets operated by customers in the region. Dassault Falcon currently has a backlog of a dozen additional aircraft to be delivered to regional buyers over the next two years, representing growth of 15 percent in the regional fleet. A Falcon 7X and Falcon 2000LX will be on display at the 22^nd Dubai Air Show, November 13-17.

     (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20111109/492565 )

Dassault's Falcon 7X, the flagship model, accounts for 40 percent of Falcon Middle East sales. It offers a unique bundle of technology in addition to exceptional range and comfort. Saudia Private Aviation (the respected business aviation unit of Saudi Arabian Airlines), already operates three of these aircraft, with a fourth on order, which will make it the largest operator of the Falcon 7X in the world. Another 7X will be also delivered this week to Empire Aviation Group (EAG), the largest managed business jet operator in the Middle East. This airplane will be the third Falcon 7X to join EAG's fleet of managed aircraft.  

The Middle East region remains a major market for Dassault Falcon with aircraft deliveries rising as the regional market for business jets recovers, helped by the increasing globalization of business and the rise of strong companies, operating regionally and even internationally, in the Middle East.

"The business aviation market in the Middle East has matured to the extent that, today, a business jet is viewed in the region as a powerful tool to enable quick and convenient access to customers, within the region and worldwide. They are recognized as a vital business asset by local entrepreneurs, and larger regional companies," declared John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon.  

Renaud Cloatre, sales director for the Middle East added, "Dassault Falcon aircraft are very well-suited to the demands of our Middle East customers, offering long range and large cabins. Our customers are mostly companies and entrepreneurs who are highly mobile, and who move all around the world on business. They need comfortable and well equipped aircraft in which to work and rest en route. Above all, they value the efficient Falcon aircraft design which means 20% to 40% less fuel consumption and lower emissions."

Currently, Dassault Falcon has four large-cabin models: the tri-jets Falcon 7X and Falcon 900LX and the twin-jets Falcon 2000S and Falcon 2000LX. All these airplanes are well suited to the demands of regional owners and operators, sharing a number of common features including flexible range, large and comfortable cabin interiors, efficient and economical performance and advanced technology based on Dassault's military heritage.

The Falcon 7X was also the first (and is still the only) business jet available that's equipped with a fully-digital flight control system. Incorporating such technology has greatly increased flight precision, safety and comfort. The Falcon 7X is a comfortable aircraft for passengers, featuring an exceptionally quiet and spacious cabin and a long range of 5,950nm, which makes it capable of meeting the demands of more than 90 percent of city trips done by the typical business aviation traveler. The airplane can connect New York to Riyadh, Jeddah to Recife, or Dubai to Darwin.

Falcon aircraft also offer unique flexibility. They are able to fly multiple short hops and then go on to the final destination without having to refuel. They can land on short airfields and access challenging airports such as London City Airport in the heart of the City (the only business jets in their category to meet the demanding requirements of the airport, with its steep approach and noise restrictions).

The new Falcon 2000S has been introduced in the super mid-size category in 2011 as an entry level option to the Falcon family, offering outstanding performance, luxurious interior designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, and the lowest operating costs in its class, making it an attractive value proposition. As with all Falcon business jets, the Falcon 2000S is also highly optimized in terms of aerodynamic design and weight, which also means much lower fuel consumption and the greenest footprint in its class.

Increasingly important to aircraft owners and operators is easy access to local service and advanced technical support, and spares. Dassault Falcon has continued to invest in regional infrastructure and now operates Authorized Service Centers in Dubai and Jeddah, as well as a spares distribution center in Dubai, and a technical office in Jeddah. The company's regional sales office is also based in Dubai.    

John Rosanvallon adds: "The worldwide market for business jets is recovering slowly. Markets in the US and in Western Europe have not yet returned to the levels of activity we saw before the global economic crisis, although we have seen a good level of commercial activity in China, Russia and Latin America this year. Despite the recent challenging economic conditions, the Middle East still represents a major market for Dassault Falcon with a two year backlog of aircraft deliveries. Our view of the Middle East business aviation market over the long term remains very positive because of the vitality of the region and the strong internationalization of business."

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 2,100 Falcon jets have been delivered to 67 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 Falcon 2000LX and the new 2000S.