Dassault to launch Falcon 2000S business jet in India

French manufacturer of military aircraft and business jets, Dassault Aviation, is preparing to deliver Falcon 2000S, a new entry-level offering from its Falcon business jet family, into the Indian market, following a certification by the Indian airworthiness authorities.

Dassault has delivered 10 Falcon 2000S business jets since aircraft deliveries started in April. The first aircraft to be based in India is set for delivery to a customer in Bangalore next month.

The 2000S was certified on November 1, continuing a process that began in the spring of 2013 with the receipt of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and  European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approvals.

The aircraft has already been certified in Brazil, Mexico and Turkey. Dassault expects approval from the Canadian authorities shortly, the company said in a press release on Friday.

“The exceptional short-field capability of the 2000S, particularly its hot-and-high performance and its ability to operate at London City Airport, combined with its spacious cabin, make it ideal for the Indian market. We expect the 2000S and its longer-range cousin, the Falcon 2000LXS (also certified in early 2013), to sell very well in India,” said Gilles Gautier, vice-president ( Falcon sales -- EMEA).

The Falcon 2000 models are Dassault's best-selling aircraft in India, accounting for the bulk of the 22 Falcons that have been delivered in the country, the release added.