Press Release

Issued by Dassault Aviation.

February 22, 2014

Dassault Aviation will highlight its expanded line of Falcon business jets at Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2014. The three day show, which opens on Feb. 25, will take place at Al Bateen Executive Airport in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Al Bateen is the only dedicated private jet aircraft facility in the Gulf region.

The exhibit will feature Dassault's flagship Falcon 7X trijet, which is coming off an exceptional sales year. The company sold several 7X copies in the Middle East in 2013 and delivered more than 40 units worldwide. The region is home to some of the world's largest Falcon 7X operators. Due to enter service in mid 2017, the all-new extra large cabin Falcon 5X has also generated a strong response in the Middle East, which has accounted for a significant number of initial sales worldwide.

“The Gulf region continues to be a vital market for business aviation, with prestigious customers and operators such as Saudia Private Aviation and Wallan Aviation, and with the gradual recovery of the worldwide economy, is again showing signs of sustained growth,” said Renaud Cloatre, Falcon sales director for the Middle East at Dassault Aviation. “The Falcon 7X, with its exceptional comfort, flexibility and efficiency, is particularly well suited for conditions in the region. We are forecasting continued growth in the short term and will continue to invest in the area so that we can support our operators even more effectively in the years to come.”

Growing Middle East Fleet

Falcon business jets are ideally suited to the demands of Middle East customers, who appreciate the technological excellence, operating performance, flexibility and comfort. More than 30 Falcon aircraft have been delivered to customers in the region over the past five years, nearly doubling the regional Falcon fleet to 69 aircraft.

Falcon Range Attracts Middle East Operators

The ultra-long range 7X is the fastest-selling Falcon model in the Middle East, accounting for more than 40% of sales. 12 of the advanced trijets are currently in service in the region. In 2013, Dassault delivered its first Falcon 900LX in Saudi Arabia to Wallan Aviation, the prominent Middle East general aviation company. The 4,750 nm tri-engine Falcon 900LX is the most efficient airplane in its class, with a fuel burn up to 40% lower than other comparable aircraft. The popular Falcon 2000 is also in demand, with 19 aircraft operating in the region. Along with the Falcon 2000S, Dassault certified another new 2000 model, the 2000LXS, which combines the short-field performance and low operating costs of the “S” model with the long range capability of the 2000LX.

Dassault Falcon currently operates authorized service centers in Dubai and Jeddah, a spares distribution center in Dubai and a technical office in Jeddah to serve the Middle East market. It also runs a regional sales office in Dubai.