NetJets Europe Signs Europe's Largest Business Jet Order
NetJets Europe Signs Europe's Largest Business Jet Order
Tuesday September 26, 4:30 am ET
Purchase of 24 Falcon 7X Aircraft Valued at US $1.1 billion
Deal Represents Second Largest Order in History
I saw the airplane at the Paris Airshow.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...5/Falcon7X.jpg
Quote:
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NetJets Europe today signed an order with Dassault Aviation for 24 Falcon 7X jets valued at US $1.1 billion. This transaction is the largest business jet order in European history and confirms NetJets Europe's position as market leader. The deal is the second largest order ever and is Dassault's largest ever private jet sale. The 24 aircraft will be delivered over 6 years, starting in Q1 2008 through 2014.
Mark Booth, Chairman and CEO of NetJets Europe, said, "This historic order reinforces our desire to provide our customers with the best aircraft and product options to meet their business aviation needs. The Falcon 7X is a magnificent aircraft and we expect fractional demand for this aircraft to be robust. The size of this order clearly demonstrates the significant demand for our product, which has effectively revolutionised travel on this continent. That makes us very happy indeed."
The Falcon 7X has been well received in the market since it was announced at the 2001 Paris Air Show. Expecting certification in early 2007, more than 90 aircraft have already been ordered from Dassault Aviation and the next available delivery options are in the second half of 2010. This order for 24 aircraft is further evidence that the French manufacturer has once again produced an aircraft that addresses a need in the marketplace. The Falcon 7X flies faster, farther and higher than any other aircraft model in the Falcon range. It is innovative and superbly efficient with the ability to fly 5950 nautical miles/11000 kilometres non stop. The widebody cabin will set a new standard of uncompromising comfort.
This agreement between the largest European operator and the predominant European manufacturer marks a significant moment in the development of business aviation on the continent. The deal signals a coming of age for both NetJets Europe and private aviation in Europe. NetJets' business has grown by over 1250% since 2002, when it had just 89 customers and 14 jets in Europe. Currently NetJets Europe has 20% of the ultra long-range aircraft on the continent and this order will increase its share of the market significantly. Business men and women have come to realise the productivity gains associated with private aviation allowing the company to grow and service the needs of over 1,200 corporations, entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals.
In addition to making European businesses more competitive, this commitment by NetJets Europe to take delivery of 24 Falcon 7X jets will support 2500 jobs over the next 6 years in France and throughout Europe.
NetJets Europe and Dassault have a strong business relationship and this deal will further strengthen those bonds. NetJets Europe is the largest Dassault operator on the continent with a fleet of 15 Falcon aircraft. The company took delivery of a Falcon 2000EX and a Falcon 900EX earlier this year and will receive another Falcon 2000EX in December. Demand is such that these aircraft were sold out prior to NetJets taking delivery. The addition of the 24 Falcon 7Xs will consolidate NetJets' long-range operation, as the new jets are capable of flying non-stop from London to Los Angeles or Edinburgh to Tokyo.
"We are extremely pleased that NetJets Europe has selected the Falcon 7X for this order," said Charles Edelstenne, Chairman and President of Dassault Aviation. "We believe it is the perfect aircraft for NetJets to continue building its long-range business and to offer its clients the exceptional service they have come to expect. This deal is very important to Dassault and underlines our increasingly close relationship with NetJets Europe."
About NetJets Europe
NetJets Europe was founded in 1996 and today is the largest operator of business jets in Europe. NetJets has passed two important milestones in the first half 2006. Customer numbers passed the 1000 mark in March 2006 and now total over 1200, and NetJets took delivery of its 100th plane in June this year. NetJets' business has grown by over 1250% since 2002, when it had just 89 customers and 14 jets in Europe. NetJets fractional aircraft ownership allows individuals and companies to buy part of a corporate jet at a fraction of the cost of whole aircraft ownership. NetJets Private Jet Card and NetJets Corporate Card allow customers to buy a block of 25 occupied flight hours with one simple payment. Both fractional ownership and the card programmes guarantee availability 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Clients have the flexibility to choose from over 1,000 airports in Europe alone, enabling them to fly whenever they want from wherever they want. As the only pan-European operator with its own fleet, NetJets Europe, through NetJets Transportes Aereos (NTA), is uniquely capable of delivering a consistent, world-class service with an unparalleled commitment to safety and security. NTA is the only dedicated business jet operator to be awarded the IOSA certificate - the highest safety accreditation in the world. In 2005, the NetJets Europe Fleet flew more than 40,000 flights to more than 100 countries. NetJets Europe is the marketing agent of NetJets Transportes Aereos S.A., an EU air Carrier.
About Dassault Aviation
Dassault Aviation is one of the world's premier producers of civil and military aircraft with a presence in over 70 countries across 5 continents. Dassault Aviation produces the renowned Mirage and Rafale fighter jets as well as a complete line of Falcon business jets. The company has assembly and production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on both continents. It employs a total workforce of over 12,000. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, over 1,750 Falcon jets have been delivered to more than 65 countries worldwide.
The family of Falcon jets currently in production includes the tri-jets - the Falcon 50EX, 900DX, 900EX, and the new 7X - as well as the twin-engine Falcon 2000DX, and 2000EX.
