Dassault poised to announce largest-ever Falcon jet

Bloomberg

Dassault Aviation SA is poised to announce its largest-ever Falcon corporate jet next week, stepping up a push to compete toe-to-toe with the swankiest offerings from Bombardier Inc and Gulfstream.
While Dassault has kept a tight lid on details, the industry is already abuzz with speculation that the plane will match or surpass rival jets in size, speed and range. Chief Executive Officer Eric Trappier, playing catch-up after an engine problem with another aircraft delayed new products, has touted the “future Falcon” on conference calls without providing specifics.
The Paris-based jetmaker, which is partially owned by Airbus SE and also makes military aircraft such as the Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon, plans to formally unveil its latest plane in a mostly virtual event on May 6.
“It’s going to be the biggest Falcon jet ever,” said Rolland Vincent, an aircraft consultant in Plano, Texas, who predicts deliveries of the aircraft will begin in 2025. “It’s going to compete at the very top of the pyramid.”
Dassault’s plan heralds a bigger battle at the high end of the corporate-jet market, which had been growing quickly before the coronavirus pandemic as well-heeled customers flew further and more often for
international business trips. Manufacturers responded with models that are larger, faster, more comfortable — and pricier. Bombardier’s Global 7500, which can be configured with a bedroom and shower, lists at $75 million before customary discounts.
The pandemic, which curtailed international travel, has cut the world’s appetite for new aircraft and caused private-jet shipments to fall 22% to 564 last year. It will take the industry until 2025 to recover, according to Honeywell International Inc, which supplies engines, cockpit controls and other parts.
Recently, demand has been strong for smaller, pre-owned planes. But large jets will again dominate the market. Honeywell’s survey of more than 1,000 private-jet operators showed that over the next decade, purchases of large aircraft will account for 42% of deliveries and 69% of market value.
Dassault isn’t waiting for a full rebound. It’s betting well-heeled clients who purchase the jet equivalent of a superluxury Bugatti sports car aren’t likely to be fazed by short-term downturns in the global business cycle. Opulence aside, manufacturers say corporate aircraft are tools that save time for CEOs and other executives.
New aircraft introductions are the lifeblood of sales for business-jet makers since design improvements entice high-dollar customers.
Bombardier’s Global 7500, which debuted in December 2018, now holds the crown as the largest purpose-built business aircraft, surpassed only by corporate-jet versions of airliners made by Airbus and Boeing.