DASSAULT CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF FALCON BUSINESS JETS

As its advanced new models prepare to take the stage, Dassault looks back at its six decades journey

- AYUSHEE CHAUDHARY

MAY 4, 2023, MARKED A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE FOR DASSAULT Aviation as it celebrated the 60th anniversary of the first flight of the Dassault Falcon 20, which later became the foundation of the renowned Falcon jet family.

In the aftermath of World War Two, the French government recognised the importance of the country’s aviation sector and encouraged French plane manufacturers to develop aircraft that could rival those of the United States and Great Britain. Dassault Aviation, already renowned for its sleek Mirage fighters, embraced this challenge and on May 4, 1963, introduced the Mystère 20, its first business jet. Recognising the potential in the American market, the aircraft was later rebranded as the Falcon 20. And today, after more than 2,700 business jets delivered, Dassault Aviation continues to uphold its tradition of crafting beautiful, advanced-technology aircraft.

Marcel Dassault, the founder of Dassault Aviation, famously stated, “For an aircraft to fly well, it must be beautiful.” This sentiment was embodied in the Falcon 20, which captivated aviation leaders such as Charles Lindbergh, Juan Trippe (CEO of Pan Am), and Fred Smith (founder of FedEx), states the aerospace manufacturer. “The formula has not changed. Every Dassault aircraft must have superb handling, beautiful lines, and rugged construction. And, of course, it has to provide state-of-the-art comfort,” said Dassault Aviation’s Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier.