Dassault Aviation has won an order to provide two Falcon 900LX trijets for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Bristol, UK-based aircraft management and services company Centerline AV is directly acquiring the Falcons and will support the business jets on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

To replace a fleet of four BAe 146s, the 900LXs will initially be operated with a mix of civilian and RAF crews, transporting senior defense and government officials, and occasionally members of the royal family. 

Slated to enter service this summer, the aircraft were acquired through an open tender, Dassault said. The company added they will upgrade the range capability and substantially reduce operating expense, fuel consumption, and emissions over the current fleet of quadjets. With 12 to 14 seats, the 900LX has a 4,500-nm range.

“We look forward to strengthening this relationship over the coming years,” said Dassault Aviation chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. “With more than 550 airplanes sold to date, the 900-series Falcon is a proven performer and is entrusted with critical missions throughout the world by governments and leading businesses.”