EBACE is taking place in a "crisis environment" for the fourth year running, although the market has begun a "slow transition to recovery", says Dassault Aviation chairman and chief executive Charles Edelstenne.

He told an EBACE audience that while activity in China and the East Asia had been strong for the French manufacturer, the "situation remained contrasted" with other regions such as western Europe and the USA, which "are still disappointing".

This year, the airframer will deliver 12 Falcon business jets to China alone, he said, and there are "positive signs" in Russia and eastern Europe compared with last year. However, the Indian market has been "virtually stalled" for three years.

Last year, Dassault delivered 63 Falcons worldwide, and ended 2011 with 36 net orders.

Meanwhile, Dassault's latest programme, the super midsize SMS, is "moving full speed into the detailed definition phase" and the airframer plans a formal unveiling of the aircraft next year.

dassault ceo

Source: Flight Daily News