Dassault Falcon, the business jet operation of Dassault Aviation, is presenting its range of business jets at the ongoing Abu Dhabi Air Expo (Al Bateen Executive Airport, 6-8 March 2012).

Dassault is featuring its flagship aircraft - the Falcon 7X - at the show, with a model on display at the event. The Falcon 7X is proving to be the best selling airplane for the company around the world, including in the Middle East, where 3 Falcon 7X were delivered to owners in the 6 months period of Q4 2011 to Q1 2012.

Dassault is experiencing an increase in aircraft deliveries throughout the Middle East as the market for business jets recovers, helped by economic growth and the rise of strong regional and international operators in the area.

Companies in the region now operate more than 60 Falcon business jets and will take delivery of a dozen additional aircraft over the next 24 months, boosting the regional fleet by 15%.

“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. Falcon business jets are recognized as a vital business asset,” declared John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon.

“The Middle East 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,” he added.

The Falcon 7X accounts for 40% of Falcon Middle East sales. Saudia Private Aviation, the business aviation unit of Saudi Arabian Airlines, operates 4 of 3 aircraft, which makes it the largest Falcon 7X customer in the world. Dubai based Empire Aviation Group manages 3 Falcon 7Xs.

Dassault Falcon has continued to invest in regional infrastructure and now operates Authorized Service Centers in Dubai and Jeddah, a spares distribution center in Dubai and a technical office in Jeddah. The company also has a regional sales office in Dubai.