Aircraft
Dassault sees pockets of recovery
Like other business jet OEMs, Dassault Falcon is suffering from the effects of the global downturn.

Like other business jet OEMs, Dassault Falcon is suffering from the effects of the global downturn. But some parts of the world are rebounding faster than others, according to the French airframer. “Yes, the market has been challenging this past year, and we don’t expect any significant change until the middle of next year,” said Charles Edelstenne, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. He said that while Falcon has delivered 80 jets this year (eight more than 2008), it has had more cancellations than new sales. “It’s too early to speculate on the time of recovery,” he added, “but it is important to be ready.”

Edelstenne noted that work continues on the Falcon 900LX, built on the same platform as the Falcon 900EX EASy but with winglets and range extended to 4,800 nm. The first flight test is expected next month and certification in the first half of 2010.

Loading…