Dassault Aviation posted strong financial numbers for the first six months of this year thanks to a burgeoning market for its Falcon business jets. First-half consolidated sales for the French aircraft manufacturer jumped to $2.44 billion from $1.92 billion last year. Revenues from the Falcon division now account for 57 percent of the company’s income, on par with last year. Company profits climbed from $171.4 million in the timeframe last year to $250.4 million this year. Falcon orders have also increased 67 percent year-over-year, rising from 52 last year to 87 this year. According to the company, Falcon orders now comprise 71 percent of its total order backlog. Meanwhile, Dassault chairman and CEO Charles Edelstenne said the winglet-equipped, 4,000-nm Falcon 2000LX is on course for certification by year-end, with deliveries slated to begin next year. Edelstenne did not tip his hand about any possible Falcon announcements at this month’s NBAA Convention, but the company is known to be working on a new super-midsize jet to replace the Falcon 50.