In a reflection of the current realities forced on the industry by the Covid pandemic, Dassault Aviation unveiled its new super-midsize Falcon 6X twinjet online. The ceremony, held in the Charles Lindbergh Hall at its plant at Bordeaux-Mérignac on 8 December, was the first of its kind to be broadcast to the world live via Youtube.

During the launch, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Éric Trappier highlighted a key feature of the all new design, a roomy fuselage that underscores the description of the 6X as an “ultra widebody Falcon” – in fact the 6X features the largest cross-section of any purpose-built business aircraft. The aircraft can seat up to 16 passengers in three cabin areas and offers a range of 10,186km (5,500nm). Efficiency of the design is also highlighted through the use of the new Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW812D engines. The aircraft boasts a maximum speed of mach 0.90 (1,103kmh). The first flights of the Falcon 6X are scheduled for the early part of 2021, with certification and service entry in 2022.