PARIS- Dassault Aviation has delayed the entry into service of its Falcon 10X ultra long range business jet until 2029, extending the programme by up to two years from its previous target.
The Falcon 10X is not assigned an IATA code as it is a business jet and not a commercial airline. The aircraft completed its maiden flight on 19 June, but certification is expected to take longer under updated regulatory requirements.
The French manufacturer said the revised timeline reflects a more demanding certification process introduced after the Boeing 737 Max accidents.
While the Falcon 10X programme faces delays, Dassault Aviation reported stronger demand for its Falcon business jets, supported by rising orders and renewed customer interest in Asia.
Dassault Extends Falcon 10X Timeline
Dassault Aviation has confirmed that the Falcon 10X will now enter service no earlier than 2029. The announcement came alongside the company’s half year financial results released on 22 July.
The Falcon 10X was previously scheduled to enter service in late 2027 after completing its first flight on 19 June. However, Dassault now expects the certification process to continue into the second half of 2029.
Chief Executive Eric Trappier said the delay is primarily linked to a more complex certification environment that emerged after the Boeing 737 Max accidents in 2018 and 2019.
According to Trappier, the Falcon 10X is an entirely new aircraft and must comply with certification standards that did not apply during the development of the Falcon 6X, which received certification in 2023.
The company estimates that certification will require around two and a half years from the aircraft’s first flight. As a result, Dassault is taking a cautious approach to the programme schedule, Flight Global reported.
Second Delay Since Programme Launch
The Falcon 10X has experienced multiple schedule revisions since its launch in 2021.
At the time of the programme announcement, Dassault expected the aircraft to enter commercial service by 2025. That target was revised in 2024 after supply chain disruptions and operational challenges caused by the Covid 19 pandemic affected development activities.
The latest delay marks the second time the programme schedule has been extended.
The Falcon 10X is powered by Rolls Royce Pearl 10X engines and is designed to offer a range of 7,500 nautical miles, or approximately 13,900 kilometres, placing it among the longest-range business jets in the market.
Falcon Orders Increase as Business Jet Market Improves
Despite the Falcon 10X delay, Dassault reported stronger performance across its business jet division during the first half of the year.
The company secured orders for 23 Falcon aircraft, compared with just eight orders during the same period a year earlier.
Trappier said business jet demand has strengthened, with the market becoming more active and renewed interest emerging from customers across Asia.
Dassault’s Falcon order backlog now stands at 83 aircraft, providing a solid pipeline for future deliveries.
Supply Chain Remains a Key Challenge
Although demand has improved, Dassault continues to face production challenges caused by supply chain constraints.
The company said several suppliers remain behind schedule, while manufacturing cycles continue to be affected by disruptions that began during the Covid 19 pandemic.
According to Trappier, the company’s main objective is to deliver aircraft on time despite these ongoing challenges.
Dassault delivered 11 Falcon business jets during the first six months of the year. The manufacturer expects deliveries to accelerate during the second half and continues to target 40 Falcon deliveries for the full year.
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