First customer of $45-million new jet from Turkey

LAS VEGAS – Doğan News Agency

To be priced at about $45 million, the Falcon 5X is expected to make its first flight in the first quarter of 2015 and to achieve certification before the end of 2016, Dassault said. DHA photo

The first order for French aircraft manufacturer Dassault’s newly unveiled Falcon jet has come from a Turkish businessperson, whose name has not been disclosed.

Dassault Aviation’s ambitious aircraft, the Falcon 5X, was first exhibited in Las Vegas at the National Business Aviation Association’s annual convention on Oct. 21, drawing substantial attention from the sector.

The model is a new-generation business jet with a new flight control system, new aerodynamics and other advanced technologies, many pioneered in Dassault’s military programs.

“The Falcon 5X is the new benchmark for the creative use of advanced technology in business aviation,” said Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation during the inauguration ceremony of the jet.

“Using design and manufacturing software and systems pioneered by Dassault, we have been able to build a larger, more comfortable and more capable aircraft that is also more environmentally friendly and much more economical to operate compared to other airplanes in its class,” a statement released by the company quoted him as saying.

The Falcon 5X represents the French aircraft-maker’s biggest investment since the beginning of the Falcon programs.

To be priced at about $45 million, the Falcon 5X is expected to make its first flight in the first quarter of 2015 and to achieve certification before the end of 2016, Dassault said.