PARIS- Dassault Aviation confirmed that the Falcon 10X will conduct its maiden flight in 2026, supported by three structurally complete test aircraft and fully delivered Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engines.
The revision reflects the company’s shift from its earlier 2025 target to a more conservative schedule.
At the same time, Dassault is expanding its capability on the Falcon 6X, which operates through major hubs such as Dubai (DXB) and has undergone high-altitude testing at La Paz Airport (LPB). More than 20 Falcon 6X aircraft have now been delivered as production continues to accelerate.
Falcon 10X Programme First Flight Schedule
Dassault adjusted its Falcon 10X first-flight objective from 2025 to 2026 after concluding the earlier goal was “a little ambitious.”
According to Flight Global, Carlos Brana, executive vice-president civil aircraft, stated that the company “prefers to do it safely next year,” underscoring the priority placed on systematic verification and controlled development sequencing.
Three Falcon 10X test aircraft are structurally complete, each now paired with its Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engines. The jet retains its scheduled entry into service in late 2027, preserving a tightening certification window for its 7,500nm (13,900km) performance target.
Dassault previously postponed this milestone in early 2024, shifting it from an expected end-2025 date.
Leadership indicates no current intention to revise the schedule further, emphasising that ensuring a safe aircraft remains the central focus.
Once certificated, the Falcon 10X will become Dassault’s new flagship, replacing the Falcon 6X introduced in late 2023.
Falcon 6X Fleet, Testing and Certification
The Falcon 6X fleet, now numbering more than 20 aircraft, has accumulated over 5,000 hours of flight time.
Brana notes that customer feedback highlights the width and quietness of the cabin, while pilots consistently report that “the handling of the airplane is exceptional.”
Dassault recently secured steep-approach certification for the type and continues work to expand its operational altitude limit beyond the current 9,000ft capability.
High-altitude trials at La Paz Airport, which sits at 13,300ft elevation, produced stable performance with “no particular issues.”
Brana states that everything remains on track for certification completion. In parallel, Dassault is increasing contaminated-runway performance to extend operational flexibility.
At the Dubai Airshow, where a customer Falcon 6X was on static display, Brana reaffirmed that the aircraft is performing well in service and generating strong operator satisfaction.
Production and Supply Chain Improvements
Production of the Falcon 6X continues to ramp up as constraints within the supply chain ease.
Brana reports that the company has observed “a lot of improvements compared to what we used to see,” with remaining part shortages now limited to minor components that the assembly line is able to manage smoothly.
Both the Falcon 6X and Falcon 10X feature wide cabins that appeal strongly to Middle East operators. However, Dassault declined to confirm whether customers in the region have already placed Falcon 10X orders.
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