Saudi National Air Service places $500 million order for Dassault Falcon 2000LXs

Paris, France: One month after the official launch of the Falcon 2000LX programme, National Air Services of Saudi Arabia has entered into a pre-purchase agreement with Dassault Aviation for 20 of the winglet-equipped twinjets. The orders will be eventually worth $500 million.

Currently, the order is for four aircraft, with an option for 16 more. According to manufacturer, Dassault, finalization of the deal announced last week is expected later this summer, with first deliveries to follow in the third quarter of 2008. Deliveries will continue over six years.
Jeddah-based National Air Services (NAS) is the largest provider of VVIP and executive air transport services in the Middle East.

The 2000LX is a six-passenger seat aircraft, with a service range of 4,000-nm and service ceiling of 41,000 feet. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C turbofans.
According to Dassault, the winglet-equipped 2000LX will eventually supersede the current 2000EX.

Meaanwhile, the new Falcon 2000DX flew for the first time on June 19 at Dassault Aviation's facility in Bordeaux, France. The 2 hour 15 minute maiden flight took place at 41,000 feet, with a maximum speed of Mach 0.89.

Dassault Falcon president and CEO, John Rosanvallon, said the aircraft offers an "atttractive price point and superior fuel advantage" over its competition. The aircraft has the same cabin as the 2000EX, which is priced roughly at $29 million, but offers a shorter 3,250-nm range. This version makes multi-leg flights, with short first legs, followed by long haul trips that much more practical.