Dassault Aviation remains optimistic about growth in Thailand and the wider Southeast Asian market, as it introduces its new ultra-long-range business jet, the Falcon 10X, targeting demand from Asia’s family-owned enterprises.
Didier Raynard, senior vice-president of sales for Asia-Pacific, said the company is seeing strong interest from a new generation of business owners expanding internationally, where face-to-face engagement remains essential. The Falcon 10X, unveiled at its Mérignac facility in France, features the industry’s largest cabin and a range of 7,500 nautical miles, enabling non-stop travel from Southeast Asia to Europe or the US West Coast.
Designed to accommodate up to 19 passengers and operate on shorter runways, the aircraft is well suited to regional travel patterns, where larger group travel and smaller airports are common.
Dassault is expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, supported by maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities and service centres across the region. It holds strong market positions, including leadership in Vietnam and significant shares in Thailand and Indonesia.
Despite positive long-term prospects driven by economic growth and infrastructure development, challenges remain, including limited business aviation infrastructure such as hangar capacity. Rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions could also impact operating costs, though the company is focusing on fuel-efficient aircraft to offset these pressures.
The Falcon 10X programme is progressing towards its first flight, with certification expected within two years. The aircraft incorporates advanced technologies inspired by Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet to enhance safety and reduce pilot workload.