Carlos Brana, Dassault Falcon Jet senior v-p of civil aircraft, describes the Middle East market as “steady, not bad,” with a clear preference for the large-cabin, fly-by-wire 7X and 8X Falcon models. He has great hopes for the developmental 6X in the region, however.

“Its wider cabin offers more space, more room," he said. "It will be a great aircraft for them.” The 6X’s range easily covers most missions for Middle East operators, and the cabin “matches or surpasses our competitors."

Brana described the OEM’s reputation here as similar to how the company is viewed elsewhere in the world. “We sell technology. It’s in the DNA. That translates to performance and safety, of course. But also to passenger comfort, as well. For example, with the 6X pressurization system, the cabin altitude will be 3,900 feet at 41,000 feet. And the cabin noise levels are super low. What that means is, when you get off the airplane after a long flight, you’re still feeling refreshed.”

He also described the advantage of the Falcon wing—actually, two wings, since they attach separately, rather than joining as one unit under the fuselage. “That makes them more flexible,” he said, “which provides for a smoother ride in turbulence.” Another Falcon advantage for Middle East operators is the FalconEye combined vision system, enabling safer and easier operations in poor visibility.

There is some brand association with the famed Rafale and Mirage military jet fighters produced by Dassault, but, Brana said, many people don’t even recognize that they are produced by the same company. “We have tried to make that fact better known through marketing and videos,” he said.

The fly-by-wire 6X is on track for first flight in 2021 and certification and entry into service in 2022. “The first parts of the 6X have been built," Brana said. "The engines are running and everything is going well. " With regard to the troubles Dassault had with the Silvercrest engines earmarked for the now-canceled 5X, he said, "That is behind us now, and we are excited by the prospects for the 6X. It is no longer a concept. It is a product.”

Another leg up Falcons have in the region, according to Brana, is their appearance, inside and out. He said the style is more conducive to European elegance. “As you know, customers can be very different. Some prefer classical lines while others prefer a more contemporary design. The lines of the 7X allow for both.”

Waving toward the Falcon 8X on the static display line in front of the Dassault chalet, Brana pointed out the visual balance of the wings, forward fuselage, engine placement, and the distinctive anhedral of the empennage. “All the proportions are right. It is beautiful. As our founder [Marcel Dassault] said, ‘Ce qui est beau vole bien [If it is beautiful, it will fly well]'.”