Dassault Aviation says optimism is high at the company after a strong first half to 2004. “The positive pace set in the first quarter of this year continued in the second quarter,” said Charles Edelstenne, chairman of Dassault. “Since the market turnaround last autumn, we’ve seen robust sales activity in the US and positive signs that activity is strengthening in Europe.” Sales are expected to continue to grow in the third quarter of 2004 with an overall increase in sales and deliveries for the year.

The first half of 2004 saw a considerable increase in deliveries versus 2003. “We’re on target to deliver around 60 aircraft in 2004,” added John Rosanvallon, president and ceo of Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, “which is a 20 per cent increase compared to 2003.”

Another positive indicator for a strong second half, says the company, is Falcon pre-owned sales.

Inventories of pre-owned aircraft-for-sale have been drastically reduced, particularly current production models. Dassault Falcon’s own inventory of pre-owned aircraft was more than halved in the second quarter.

During the second half of 2004, Dassault expects to deliver more than 20 EASy-equipped aircraft with a mix of 900EX and 2000EX models.

The company recently launched the Falcon 900DX, a large cabin trijet. The aircraft is intended to fill a niche between the 2000EX and 900EX models. Certification and first deliveries of the new aircraft scheduled for the end of 2005.