(Beijing, China, November 13, 2012) -- Dassault Falcon has established a ‘wholly owned foreign entity’ to represent the Falcon brand in the growing Chinese market. The subsidiary, known as ‘Dassault Falcon Business Services (Beijing) Co. Ltd’, is based in Beijing, China. Mr. Jean Michel Jacob has been named General Manager of the subsidiary and Mr. Jean Rosanvallon has been named Chairman.
“Firmly establishing Dassault’s presence in China today positions us to serve the needs of its growing business aviation sector with the highest level of support in the years to come,” said John Rosanvallon, who is also President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “Establishing this subsidiary is key to doing business in China and making sure Falcon customers have the best possible resources.”
Dassault Falcon sold its first new Falcon in China in 2006. In 2010, an international sales and marketing office was established in Beijing with another office in Shanghai opened in 2012. Together, with another office in Hong Kong, Dassault Falcon’s presence in the country has steadily increased.
As part of the subsidiary, Dassault Falcon will establish a regional Customer Service headquarters in Beijing, China which is scheduled to start operations in early 2013. Lead by Kathy Liu, Director of Customer Service for Asia, the office will be staffed by local specialists experienced in receiving and processing spare parts orders, warranty and FalconCare claims. The office will also oversee four Field Technical Representatives that are based in Greater China. Additionally, at least two type rated Falcon pilots will be based in Beijing to provide jump-seat support to new and existing Falcon customers.
Falcon Business Jets Ideal for Chinese Market
Earlier this year, Dassault revealed the number of Falcons operating in China will triple before the end of 2012. “We sold our first new Falcon to China in 2006. But by 2011, the market had already grown to become our largest for new aircraft orders and one of our most promising,” said Rosanvallon.
Most of the new orders are for the Falcon 7X, with a current backlog of 20 of the tri-jets scheduled to be delivered in China in the coming years. The Falcon 2000S has also been well received in China since it was launched in May 2011.
The Dassault Falcon product range includes four large-cabin models: the Falcon 7X and Falcon 900LX and the twin-jet Falcon 2000S and the new Falcon 2000LXS which was introduced at the NBAA Convention in October, 2012. These models share a number of common features, including, large and comfortable cabin interiors, efficient and economical performance and advanced technology derived from Dassault's military experience. Dassault introduced the Falcon 2000S into the super mid-size category as an entry level option to the Falcon family offering outstanding performance, a luxurious, roomy interior and ultra-low operating costs for a price tag comparable to the smaller models
featured by its competitors.
Falcon 7X: Leader in China
The Falcon 7X offers flexible range, a large and comfortable cabin interior, efficient and economical performance and a range of new advanced technologies. The aircraft's 5,950 nm range enables it to handle more of the missions flown by other business jets. It can connect Beijing or Shanghai to all of Europe or the Western United States and access challenging airports such as London City Airport -- the only business jet in its category capable of doing so. The global Falcon 7X fleet has passed the 150,000 flight hour milestone. Dassault Falcon will have a Falcon 7X on display during Airshow China.
Dassault Falcon Backgrounder:
Dassault Falcon is responsible for selling and supporting Falcon business jets throughout the world. It is part of Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 70 countries across five continents. Dassault Aviation produces the Rafale fighter jet as well as the complete line of Falcon business jets. The company has assembly and production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on multiple continents. It employs a total workforce of over 12,000. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, 2,000 Falcon jets have been delivered to 67 countries worldwide. The family of Falcon jets currently in production includes the tri-jets — the Falcon 900LX, and the 7X — as well as the twin-engine 2000LX, 2000LXS and Falcon 2000S.
