Dassault Aviation won an order to provide two Falcon 900LX tri-jets 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 Defense.

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, adding they will upgrade the range capability and substantially reduce operating expense, fuel consumption, and emissions over the current fleet of quad-jets. 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 aircraft is a proven performer and is entrusted with critical missions throughout the world by governments and leading businesses.”