Aircraft

NetJets Europe is to upgrade its fleet of eight Dassault Falcon 2000EX business jets to the LX model in an effort to "create a better performing and more fuel-efficient fleet", says the operator.

Work will begin at the end of the year to retrofit the aircraft with the new aerodynamic wing and Aviation Partners blended winglets.

The LX is developed from the 2000EX, which it will replace in service in 2010. It can fly an extra 370km (200nm) - up to 7,400km - and climb to 41,000ft (12,500m) in 18min. The blended winglets are designed to reduce drag by up to 5%, at Mach 0.80, increasing range and cutting fuel consumption.

Bill Kelly, chief executive of the Lisbon, Portugal-based company, says: "We are committed to working towards operating a more fuel-efficient, better-performing fleet. This upgrade not only reduces the Falcon's fuel consumption, but also improves the aircraft's performance."

NetJets Europe is Dassault's largest customer on the continent operating a fleet of 17 Falcon jets. In September 2006 the company signed the largest jet order in European history for 24 Falcon 7X business jets valued at $1.1 billion.

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