Dassault Aviation boss Éric Trappier has congratulated rival Gulfstream on the unveiling of two new models, while also cheekily suggesting that the Savannah firm is merely following in its footsteps.
Speaking at the French airframer’s annual NBAA breakfast this morning, Trappier noted that its in-development “ultra-wide body” 5X was “not the only new model in the 5000nm [range] segment” following last week’s launch of the G500 and G600 jets.
“We congratulate Gulfstream on its recent announcement but the 5X will unquestionably be the new benchmark,” he says.
Trappier highlights the 5X and 8X, which both feature fly-by-wire controls, as examples of its industry-leading innovative streak.
“We always have great satisfaction when we have placed a new path for the rest of the industry to follow.
“And we are pleased to see that our friends in Savannah have finally decided to move towards sidesticks,” says Trappier.
Source: Flight Daily News
