Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2012: March 6-8
6th March 2012 (Abu Dhabi, UAE): Dassault Falcon has just delivered (1st March 2012) its fourth Falcon 7X business jet to Saudia Private Aviation (SPA) - the private aviation arm of Saudi Arabian Airlines - making SPA the largest single customer/operator of the 7X worldwide. The four-aircraft order was first announced at the 2007 Dubai Air Show. Dassault's global Falcon 7X fleet has just passed the milestones of 100,000 flying hours and the company will feature a 7X on display at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo.
The advanced tri-engined Falcon 7X is Dassault Falcon's flagship business jet model and accounts for 40 per cent of the company's Middle East aircraft sales. Falcon 7X sales in the Middle East continue to be especially strong, with three Falcon 7X business jets delivered to owners in the period of Q4 2011 to Q1 2012.
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 internationally. Dassault has a fleet of more than 60 Falcon business jets operated by customers in the region and has a backlog of a dozen additional aircraft to be delivered to regional buyers over the next two years.
The Falcon 7X offers a unique bundle of technology in addition to exceptional range and comfort. It was the first business jet available equipped with a fully-digital flight control system. The tri-engined 7X offers flexible range, large and comfortable cabin interior, efficient and economical performance and advanced technology based on Dassault's military heritage. The 7X features a long range of 5,950nm, which enables it to meet the demands of more than 90 percent of city trips done by the typical business aviation traveller. It can connect New York to Riyadh, Riyadh to Perth or Dubai to Tokyo, and access challenging airports such as London City Airport (the only business jets in their category).
Mr Wajdi Abdullah Al-Idrissi, Managing Director 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."
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
WPR Dubai, Jonathan Walsh, Tel +971 50 4588610, jon@wprme.com
Photos
Hi Res Photos are available at: www.falconphotogallery.com
USER ID: dassault - PASSWORD: falcon
© Press Release 2012