Dassault Aviation today delivered its first Falcon 8X, marking the entry into service of the company’s new ultra-long range flagship.
Amjet Executive took delivery of the aircraft at Dassault Aviation’s Bordeaux-Merignac facility and is now the first company to operate the Falcon 8X.
The 6,450 nm/11,945 km 8X received its EASA and FAA certification in June and is entering service precisely on schedule, two years after it was first announced. Certification followed a month-long round-the-globe test campaign intended to ensure aircraft systems would be fully mature and operational from day one.
“To see our new flagship Falcon handed over right on time in perfect operating order gives us immense pride,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman & CEO of Dassault Aviation. “We are very pleased to deliver the first example of this great new aircraft to Amjet, a long time Falcon operator.”
Based in Athens, Greece, Amjet offers fleet management, charter, sales and maintenance/repair services and operates a full line of Falcon jets, including the super midsized Falcon 50, the long range Falcon 900EX EASy and the very long range Falcon 7X.
“I am extremely pleased to welcome the new Falcon 8X into our fleet,” said Amjet President, Abakar Manany, who was at the controls for the delivery flight.
“As a pilot, I can personally vouch for the remarkable handling and piloting qualities of the big new trijet. Its superb performance and cabin comfort will allow us to fill an ever wider range of needs and missions for our exceptionally demanding clientele.”
Further deliveries are anticipated over the coming weeks to customers in a dozen countries, from Brazil, the U.S. and Europe, to the UAE and India.
Another 11 aircraft are in final assembly in Mérignac and 16 are being outfitted and painted at Dassault’s completion facility in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Little Rock facility recently underwent a $60 million expansion to enable it to handle the planned influx of Falcon 8X trijets.
Falcon 8X operators benefit from a full package of services put together by Dassault’s global product support organization to assist them in taking delivery of their new Falcon. The service package is customized to individual operator needs and starts well before the aircraft arrives in customer hands.