SPA becomes world's largest 7X operator following latest delivery

Tha aircraft is on display at Abu Dhabi Air Expo this week, just days after the official handover from Dassault. 

The private aviation arm of Saudi Arabian Airlines first announced the four aircraft deal at the 2007 Dubai Air Show. Dassault’s global Falcon 7X fleet has just passed the milestones of 100,000 flying hours The manufacturer also has its own 7X on display at the Abu Dhabi event which runs until Thursday.

The advanced tri-engined Falcon 7X is Dassault Falcon’s flagship business jet model and accounts for 40 per cent of the company’s Middle East aircraft sales. Falcon 7X sales in the Middle East continue to be especially strong, with three Falcon 7X business jets delivered to owners in the period of Q4 2011 to Q1 2012.

The Middle East region remains a major market for Dassault Falcon with aircraft deliveries rising as the regional market for business jets recovers, helped by the increasing globalization of business and the rise of strong companies, operating internationally. Dassault has a fleet of more than 60 Falcon business jets operated by customers in the region and has a backlog of a dozen additional aircraft to be delivered to regional buyers over the next two years.

The Falcon 7X offers a unique bundle of technology in addition to exceptional range and comfort. It was the first business jet available equipped with a fully-digital flight control system. The tri-engined 7X offers flexible range, large and comfortable cabin interior, efficient and economical performance and advanced technology based on Dassault’s military heritage. The 7X features a long range of 5,950nm, which enables it to meet the demands of more than 90 percent of city trips done by the typical business aviation traveller. It can connect New York to Riyadh, Riyadh to Perth or Dubai to Tokyo, and access challenging airports such as London City Airport (the only business jets in their category).

PICTURED: Mr. Wajdi Alidrissi, Managing Director, Saudia Private Aviation .
Captain. SALEH ALBAYOUMI, General Manager, Special Flight Services.
Eng. TARIQ ALKATHIRI, Chief, Royal Aircraft Engineering & Development.

Mr Wajdi Abdullah Al-Idrissi, Managing Director of Saudia Private Aviation, commented: “The Falcon 7X is a great addition to our fleet of business jets and is in great demand for charter flights worldwide. The Falcon 7X has received high marks from our customers in regard to its advanced technology and its exceptional cabin comfort." Al-Idrissi continued "Combined with the highest standards in terms of finishing and onboard equipment , the cabin meets the most demanding requirements of passengers for high levels of comfort, especially on very long non stop flights, up to 13 hours.”

John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon Jet, added: “The Falcon 7X has achieved impressive sales worldwide and demand in the Middle East has been especially strong, with several aircraft now operating from the region. We are delighted to be working with Saudia Private Aviation in Saudi Arabia and congratulate them on becoming the world’s largest single customer/operator of the aircraft. The 7X is well suited to the demands of charter clients in Saudi Arabia where they are flying intensively, supported effectively by our ASC and Technical Centres in the Kingdom.”