Dassault Falcon business jet deliveries continued to slide in 2016, showing another year-on-year fall as a result of prolonged weakness in the large-cabin business jet market.
According to preliminary figures released by the French airframer on 5 January, Dassault shipped a combined 49 Falcon 2000S/LXS, 900LX, 7X and 8X business jets for the year to 31 December 2016.
Although Dassault says this is in line with its forecast of 50 shipments for the year, it represents a second consecutive fall in annual deliveries, dropping from 55 Falcons handed over in 2015 and 67 in 2014.
Amjet Executive
Highlights for 2016 included the first delivery of its flagship 8X in October to Greek operator Amjet Executive; a further two units were delivered before the end of the year, Flight Fleets Analyzer shows.
Dassault also recorded a 17% fall in net sales during 2016, to 21 aircraft, with its backlog showing similar levels of erosion, dropping to 63 Falcons by 31 December – 28 fewer than the previous year.
Cancellations in 2016 included 12 examples of its developmental 5X large-cabin, long-range jet. This was originally scheduled for certification in 2017, but problems with the its Snecma Silvercrest engines have pushed back service entry to 2020.
Dassault will release its full 2016 financial performance on 8 March.
Source: Flight International
