Q&A: "Interest in the 6X is high"

The Falcon 6X is an ideal aircraft for the Indian market, able to fly at high-speed cruise nonstop from any point in the country to London. It offers a new level of comfort and utility in the longrange segment, says CARLOS BRANA, Executive VP Civil Aircraft, Dassault Aviation, in this one-on-one with CRUISING HEIGHTS

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How was the global market for business jets in 2022 and what is the outlook for 2023?

The industry had a strong rebound year in 2022 as the Covid crisis waned. Dassault Aviation sold 64 jets and increased backlog from 55 Falcons to 87. The company is upgrading existing products, for example with the EASY IV flight deck now standard on the Falcon 8X, and is developing exciting all-new products such as the 6X long-range jet and 10X ultra-long-range aircraft. These bode well for the future.

How is the Indian market for business jets performing and future outlook?

From our standpoint, 2022 was overall a good year, with excellent prospects ahead as the market begins to consider our latest large cabin jets with first 6X ordered in the region.

We have many new prospects interested in the 2000LXS, the latest in the Falcon 2000 series. The 2000 is prized in the Indian charter market and among individual owners. They love its roomy, stand-up cabin (1.88m). It's very spacious within its category, yet costs about 20 percent less to operate. The 8X, our ultra-long-range jet, offers unbeatable comfort and quiet, plus options that include a stateroom and shower. It, too, is an efficiency leader.

Dassault Aviation's new Falcon 6X is slated to enter service in mid-2023. What is the level of interest for the aircraft in India?