NetJets Europe has taken delivery of the first Dassault Falcon 2000 of its fleet to be completed in Europe. The second of 12 Falcon 2000s to be delivered to the fleet over the next two years was officially signed over to NetJets Europe's vice president for international flight operations Bruce Huffman, at a ceremony in Merignac near Bordeaux.

The total value of the Falcon 2000 spend by NetJets is $250 million, and will bring the number of the comp-any's aircraft in Europe to 50 by 2002.

Serial number 115 rolled out of the completions facility on July 13 with all avionics installed, a custom interior identical to all the company's Falcon 2000s, and the exterior painted in corporate colours.

Huffman, speaking at the completions centre, said: "NetJets prides itself on its association with the finest aircraft manufacturers in the world, bringing our owners a range of aircraft to meet every need. We are delighted that our European programme should choose a European aircraft designed, built and completed by European craftsmen. It is a further demonstration of our commitment to Europe."

Alain Aubry, vp of Falcon sales for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, said: "NetJets is our biggest customer for the Falcon 2000 and Dassault is delighted that this large cabin aircraft is meeting the needs of its European customers.