05 April 2025

Dassault's Falcon 8X speeds through Melbourne

The long-haul trijet with extra-large cabin was presented at the Avalon Air Show; Dassault is a key player in Dassault's strategy for the Asia-Pacific market, flanked by the Falcon 6X and 10X models

Dassault Aviation has chosen the Avalon Australian International Air Show to present its flagship of the skies, the Falcon 8X, an ultra-long-range business jet with a large cabin and excellent performance. The event, held in Melbourne, represented a strategic showcase for the French manufacturer, which is firmly focusing on the Asia-Pacific market.

Copyright © Dassault Falcon Jet Corp., Dassault Aviation.

The Falcon 8X on display sported a new interior configuration, inspired by the elegance of the newer Falcon 6X. It features high-speed global connectivity, ideal for streaming and video conferencing even in flight, and boasts a range of 6,450 nautical miles (11,945 km) with a cruise speed of up to Mach 0.90. Despite its size, the aircraft can operate on short runways, such as those found in many Australian locations, thanks to its landing speed of only 107 knots.

Alongside the 8X, there are also the other models in Dassault's range: the Falcon 6X (which entered service at the end of 2023 with an ultra widebody cabin and a range of 5,500 nm - 10,200 km) and the future Falcon 10X, designed to fly at up to 7,500 nm (13,890 km) with next-generation comfort and scheduled for service in 2027.

Expansion into Asia-Pacific
Dassault has significantly strengthened its support network in the area, also thanks to the acquisition, in 2019, of ExecuJet's MRO network, active in Australia with bases in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Last year, ExecuJet MRO opened a new 13,900 m² maintenance center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which now serves as a regional hub for Falcon and other brand service.

Dassault's relationship with Australia has its roots in time. The country is the second-largest market for Falcon jets in the Asia-Pacific region, after China. Mirage fighters, signed by Dassault, protected the Australian skies until the 90s, while the Falcons – starting with the 20 model – were used for decades for VIP government transport. Currently, the Royal Australian Air Force employs three Falcon 7Xs in executive configuration.

By the editorial staff, Avion Luxury Magazine
Text source and photo: Copyright © Dassault Falcon Jet Corp., Dassault Aviation.

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