Dassault Aviation is preparing to deliver its new Falcon 2000S business jet into the important Indian market, following certification by the Indian airworthiness authorities.
The 2000S was certified on Nov. 1, continuing a process that began in the spring of 2013 with the receipt of FAA and EASA approvals. The aircraft has already been certified in Brazil, Mexico, and Turkey, and Dassault expects approval from the Canadian authorities shortly.
The 2000S also recently received EASA and FAA steep approach approval, paving the way for its operation at London City Airport in the heart of London, England.
Dassault has delivered 10 Falcon 2000S business jets since aircraft deliveries started in April. The first aircraft to be based in India is set for delivery to a customer in Bangalore next month.
With a range of 3,250nm (6,300km), the Falcon 2000S is equipped with winglets and full inboard slats that enable it to land and takeoff at steep angles and low speed, even at high altitudes and high temperature conditions. It can operate to challenging Indian airports such as Kullu Manali, with its short runway of 3,690ft (1,125m), and Leh airport which is at an altitude of 10,682ft (3,256m). At a typical end-of-flight profile, the 2000S needs just 2,315ft of runway - better than super mid-size jets and even some turboprop aircraft.
The 2000S comes standard with EASy II avionics, FalconCabin HD+ cabin entertainment system, and a brand-new cabin designed by BMW Group Designworks USA, making it appealing to users in the super mid-size segment.
"The exceptional short-field capability of the 2000S – particularly its hot-and-high performance and its ability to operate at London City Airport – combined with its spacious well-appointed cabin, make it ideal for the Indian market," says Gilles Gautier, Falcon Sales vice president for EMEA. "We expect the 2000S – and its longer-range cousin, the Falcon 2000LXS, also certified in early 2013 – to sell very well in India."
The Falcon 2000 models are Dassault's best-selling aircraft in India, accounting for the bulk of the 22 Falcons that have been delivered in the country.
Source: Dassault Aviation