Dassault Aviation’s latest business jet, the Falcon 10X, has successfully completed its maiden flight, marking a major milestone for the aircraft program and the beginning of its flight-test phase, the company announced. The first flight took place from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, where test pilot Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin and co-pilot Fabrice Dougnac flew the aircraft for around two and a half hours. During the mission, the crew assessed the aircraft’s handling performance and onboard systems at 15,000 feet before climbing to 40,000 feet and reaching a speed of Mach 0.82. The aircraft then safely returned and landed at Bordeaux-Mérignac.

Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier said the successful first flight highlights the dedication and expertise of the company’s engineering, manufacturing, flight teams, and global partners. He described the milestone as the beginning of a new phase for the Falcon 10X program. Pilot Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin said the flight was the result of years of effort by thousands of Dassault employees and partners, adding that the aircraft performed as expected and was enjoyable to fly.

The first test aircraft will soon be joined by a second prototype, while a third aircraft is being prepared with a complete cabin interior for system validation, reliability checks, and passenger environment testing. Dassault stated that it is currently the only aircraft manufacturer worldwide to have introduced a completely new aircraft design into flight testing in 2026. The company, with more than a century of aviation experience, has delivered over 10,000 military and civilian aircraft, including 2,800 Falcon business jets, to customers across more than 90 countries.

Known for producing aircraft such as the Dassault Rafale fighter jet and the Falcon family of business aircraft, Dassault Aviation also develops military drones and space systems. In 2025, the company employed around 15,000 people and reported revenue of approximately €7.4 billion.