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Saudia Private Aviation set to become world's largest operator of the Falcon 7X business jet with delivery of fourth aircraft by Dassault

15 November 2011 (Dubai, UAE): Saudia Private Aviation (SPA) - the private aviation arm of Saudi Arabian Airlines - is set to become the world's largest operator of the Dassault Falcon 7X business jet, when it takes delivery of its fourth 7X aircraft. The advanced tri-engined Falcon 7X is Dassault Falcon's flagship business jet model which accounts for 40 per cent of the company's Middle East aircraft sales.

The Falcon 7X offers a unique bundle of technology in addition to exceptional range and comfort. It was the first (and is still the only) business jet available equipped with a fully-digital flight control system. Falcon 7X sales in the middle East are especially strong and Saudia Private Aviation, which already operates three Falcon 7X aircraft, will take delivery of its fourth 7X in the coming weeks.

Speaking at the Dubai Air Show, Mr Wajdi Abdullah Al-Idrissi, the Vice President Royal & VIP Affairs & Head of Saudia Private Aviation, commented: "The Falcon 7X is a great addition to our fleet of business jets and is in great demand for charter flights worldwide. The Falcon 7X has received high marks from our customers in regard to its advanced technology and its exceptional cabin comfort." Al-Idrissi continued "Combined with the highest standards in terms of finishing and onboard equipment , the cabin meets the most demanding requirements of passengers for high levels of comfort, especially on very long non stop flights, up to 13 hours."

Like all the Falcons, the tri-engined Falcon 7X is 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. 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 comfortable 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 traveller.

The airplane can connect New York to Riyadh, Riyadh to Perth or Dubai to Tokyo. 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).

Increasingly important to aircraft owners and operators is easy access to local service and advanced technical support, and spares. Dassault has invested in local infrastructure and support in Saudi Arabia and as approved Saudi Arabian Airline as an Authorised Service Centre in Jeddah. Dassault Falcon has also continued to invest in regional infrastructure and operates another Authorised Service Centers, as well as a spares distribution center in Dubai, and a technical office in Jeddah. The company's regional sales office is based in Dubai.

John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon Jet, added: "The Falcon 7X has achieved impressive sales worldwide and demand in the Middle East has been especially strong, with several aircraft now operating from the region. We are delighted to be working with Saudia Private Aviation in Saudi Arabia and congratulate them on becoming the world's largest single customer/operator of the aircraft. The 7X is well suited to the demands of charter clients in Saudi Arabia where they are flying intensively, supported effectively by our ASC and Technical Centres in the Kingdom."

-Ends-

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.

Press Contacts
Dassault Aviation (France)Vadim Feldzer Tel. +33 1 47 11 44 13 Marie-Alexandrine Munoz Tel. +33 1 47 11 64 23

WPR Dubai, Jonathan Walsh, Tel +971 50 4588610, jon@wprme.com

Photos
Hi Res Photos are available at: www.falconphotogallery.com
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© Press Release 2011