Dassault Falcon Focuses on the Growing Market in India

Company Strengthens Position in Emerging Markets Worldwide 

HYDERABAD, India, March 11, 2012  -Dassault Falcon will present its Falcon fleet of large cabin, long range business jets at the third India Aviation air show. The event, which opens on March 14, will be held at Hyderabad Begumpet Airport.


Dassault built its reputation for advanced high-performance fighter jets operated in India for more than 60 years. Today, the reputation for design excellence is also driven by advanced business aviation aircraft like the Falcon 7X, the Falcon 900LX and the Falcon 2000 series. The Falcon family of business jets offers unparallel performance, comfort and fuel economy.


Dassault is the Indian market leader for large cabin, long range aircraft and continues to consolidate its position as the benefits of business aviation become recognized by an increasing number of Indian companies and private owners. Private investment in the country's aviation infrastructure and growing support by the Indian authorities are making this dynamic market even more attractive.


About 20 Falcons are currently operating from airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune and Hyderabad. Several additional aircraft are on order for delivery to Indian customers over the next two years. Almost half of the new aircraft orders are for Dassault's flagship Falcon 7X, the first business jet certified with a fully-digital flight control system.


"We remain encouraged by the potential for long term growth in business aviation in India," said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. "Business jets are now seen in the region as a powerful tool to enable quick and convenient access to customers within the country and worldwide. The dramatic growth of the economy and the experience of travelling on commercial airlines have all contributed to the expansion of the market over the last few years."


The performance of the Falcon fleet is especially valued in the Indian subcontinent, where short airfields, elevated runways and high temperatures are common. Falcon aircraft are also more economical to operate and more environmentally friendly than any other large cabin aircraft. Their efficient design and advanced technology means less weight, 20-40% better fuel burn and lower emissions than other airplanes in their class.


In addition, Dassault aircraft are very well suited to the long-range requirements of Indian customers. The Falcon 7X can connect Mumbai to Cape Town, for example, or Bangalore to the challenging London City Airport, in the heart of London. The 7X - like the Falcon 900 - is the only jet in its category to meet the demanding performance requirements of London City, with its steep approach and noise restrictions.

"With their exceptional performance and fuel efficiency, I have no doubt that the Falcon fleet is positioned for long term success in the region and that we will maintain a high level of market share," concluded Rosanvallon.


To support the growing Falcon fleet and move the company closer to clients, Dassault has opened spares distribution centers in Chennai and Mumbai, complementing regional facilities in Dubai and Singapore, and installed a technical field team in Mumbai. Last year it reinforced its Delhi office and plans for a further expansion are in the works. Mumbai-based Air Works India recently became an Authorized Service Center for the Falcon 900EX while other service centers are in discussion.


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.