Dubai, 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 22nd Dubai Air Show, November 13-17.
The Dassault 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 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."
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 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."
Source: Press Release (Dassault Aviation)