Dassault is showcasing 5X cabin mock-up for the first time in the Middle East, which is home to one in five orders for the large-cabin, long-range business jet.
The French airframer launched the 5,200nm (9,630km) twinjet a year ago and has already attracted significant orders from the region for the newest addition to its Falcon family.
“The Middle East currently represents 20% of 5X sales,” says Dassault senior vice-president civil aircraft, Olivier Villa.
“We had already sold aircraft into this market before we unveiled the type. Customers here place a high premium on spaciousness, range, operating flexibility and economics. The 5X has all these qualities,” he adds.
The first of three flight-test aircraft is scheduled to make its maiden flight in the first half of next year with a second following shortly after. Certification is due in late 2016, service entry follows in 2017.
Dassault’s MEBA static line-up also includes the ultra-long-range 7X - Dasault’s biggest seller in the region for the last five years - and the 900LX.
Source: Flight Daily News
