Dassault Aviation has achieved a major milestone in its business jet program as the all-new Falcon 10X successfully completed its maiden flight. The step marks the beginning of the aircraft’s flight-test campaign and demonstrating the maturity of the development program.
The inaugural flight took place from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport in France, where test pilot Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin and copilot Fabrice Dougnac lifted off aboard the Falcon 10X for a mission lasting approximately two and a half hours.
During the flight, the crew evaluated the aircraft’s handling characteristics and onboard systems, reaching an altitude of 40,000 feet and accelerating to Mach 0.82 before returning for a smooth landing.
The successful first flight represents a significant step forward for Dassault Aviation as it prepares what is expected to become one of the most advanced and spacious ultra-long-range business jets in the world.
Speaking on the achievement, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier described the maiden flight as an important milestone for the company. He credited the accomplishment to the dedication and expertise of the engineering, production, and flight-test teams, as well as the support of the company’s global network of partners.
“This inaugural flight is another milestone for Dassault,” said Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier.
“It is a reflection of the dedication and high skill of our engineering, production, and flight teams, and also the quality of our global network of partners. All of us are excited to see this day as we launch into a new phase for the 10X.”
The Falcon 10X program has been years in the making, involving thousands of employees and suppliers. Test pilot Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin noted that the aircraft performed as planned throughout the flight, highlighting the extensive effort invested in bringing the aircraft from concept to reality.
The flight-test program is expected to expand rapidly. A second test aircraft is nearing completion and will soon join the campaign, while a third aircraft equipped with a full interior will be used primarily for systems evaluation, cabin functionality assessments, and reliability testing.
The Falcon 10X is positioned as the flagship of Dassault’s Falcon family and is designed to set new standards in business aviation through a combination of advanced technology, long-range capability, and passenger comfort. The aircraft is expected to compete in the ultra-long-range segment, serving customers who require intercontinental travel with enhanced efficiency and luxury.
Dassault Aviation emphasized that it is currently the only aircraft manufacturer flying an entirely new aircraft type in 2026, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to innovation. The achievement also reflects the benefits of Dassault’s unique expertise across both civil and military aviation sectors, which has long been a cornerstone of the company’s success.
With more than a century of aerospace experience and over 10,000 aircraft delivered worldwide, Dassault Aviation continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading manufacturers of high-end business jets. The successful maiden flight of the Falcon 10X marks the beginning of a new chapter for the company and brings the aircraft one step closer to entering service.
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Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.
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