Bizjets to Serve as VIP Transports, RAF Runabouts as Replacement for Aging British Aerospace 146

Dassault has completed a sale to the Royal Air Force of the UK which will put 2 Falcon 900LX business jets into service.

Designated as the new Command Support Air Transport", the aircraft will be used for VIP carriage for "senior defense and government officials" once in service replacing a fleet of 4 aging BAE 146 aircraft. The RAF cites the increased range, capability, reduced expenses, fuel consumption, and emissions benefits as the factors that pushed the replacement. The 900LX will, in all likelihood, occasionally transport some members of the Royal Family should the mission require, said those familiar with operations. Its trijet configuration was deemed an important benefit to some planners in the Ministry of Defence who wanted a business jet with excellent short field capabilities. The added redundancy of the third engine as an added bonus for the service. 

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier said the deal will create a lasting relationship between the company and the MoD. Should all go well, the 2 Falcons could eventually prove to be a valuable toehold in the service. “Dassault Aviation is honored to have been selected to provide these two Falcon 900LX’s to Centerline  for use by the UK Ministry of Defence, and we look forward to strengthening this relationship over the  coming years," said 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.” 

FMI: www.dassaultfalcon.com