MEBA 2012: Wallan swoops in to buy two Falcons

A pre-owned Falcon 900EX EASy II will be delivered by the end of the year and a new Falcon 900LX in the second quarter of 2013.

The aircraft, to be based in Riyadh and Dubai, will be operated by Wallan Aviation for the company’s own use, with the option to offer one or both aircraft to the charter market.

The two Falcon 900 jets will be added to Wallan Aviation’s current fleet of six Cessna Citations.

Saad Wallan, chairman of Wallan Aviation and a board member of MEBAA, said: “We chose the Falcon 900LX because of its advanced technology and efficient performance and range, its go-anywhere flexibility and its resale value.

“For example, the Falcon 900’s range connects Riyadh or Dubai directly with Shannon Airport in Ireland, where passengers can clear customs immigration for the whole of the US.

“Falcons are increasingly proving themselves with operators in the region and this helps develop experience and build confidence in the Falcon range, which also has attractive emissions and environmental credentials.”  

Over the next 18 months Dassault plans to deliver six Falcons to Middle East customers, growing its fleet by 10%. More than 60 Falcon business jets operate in the region, with Empire Aviation and Saudia Private Aviation already operating the type in Saudi Arabia.

Gilles Gautier, VP sales for Dassault Falcon, said: “This Falcon sale represents the confidence that is returning to the regional market and underlines the commitment we continue to make to the Middle East, where we have invested to expand our infrastructure and support team.

“Falcons are well-suited to the demands of our Middle East customers, offering long range and large, roomy cabins which are ideal for work or rest. They burn 20-40% less fuel and offer up to 50% lower operating costs than some aircraft in their class.”