We talk business aviation and innovation with Carlos Brana, executive vice president civil aircraft at Dassault Aviation.

The recent launch of the Business Jet & Commercial Flight Wing-to-Wing Transfer Service in Hong Kong, a new service that allows passengers arriving on commercial flights to directly transfer to business jets, and visa versa, under the escort of staff from HKBAC within the airside area, further bolsters the rise of business jet travel in Hong Kong specifically and Asia-Pacific as a whole, during and since the pandemic. We talk with Dassault Aviation executive Carlos Brana on the new service, the region’s business aviation growth trajectory, and how sustainability is in the minds of business jet manufacturers.

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The Airport Authority Hong Kong and Hong Kong Business Aviation Center recently launched the Business Jet & Commercial Flight Wing-to-Wing Transfer Service. What impact do you think this will have on the growth of business travel in the Asia-Pacific region and specifically for Hong Kong?

This initiative will streamline connections, boost efficiency for business travellers, and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a major aviation hub. We believe this programme will contribute significantly to the growth of business aviation in the region.

Can you give us an overview of the new Falcon 6X and what sets it apart from other business jets in its class?

The Falcon 6X has the largest cabin cross-section of any purpose-built business jet on the market. The space provides exceptional freedom of movement and a superior environment for work or relaxation on long journeys.

Dassault Aviation is the only business jet manufacturer that also manufactures fighter jets. Many advanced technologies developed for the Rafale fighters have been brought to the Falcons. One example will be the Digital Flight Control System (DFCS), which ensures precise handling and total safety in the manoeuvres of the aircraft. Another example is FalconEye, Dassault’s award-winning combined vision system to provide the flight crew with unprecedented awareness in all weather conditions, day or night. FalconEye (below) is the only Heads-Up Display that blends synthetic database-driven terrain imaging and real-world thermal and low-light camera images into a single view.

What are the key design features and technological advancements of the Falcon 6X that make it unique?

Besides its award-winning cabin interior design, the Falcon 6X incorporates many features to elevate cabin comfort. The cabin is well-lit with 30 extra-large windows and an industry-first skylight to allow plenty of natural sunlight in. The 6X is one of the quietest cabins in the sky, with internal noise levels of less than 50 dB. To offer further protection against airborne viruses, hospital-grade HEPA filters are used to filter and continuously refresh the cabin air. When cruising at 41,000 feet, “Cabin altitude” pressurisation is kept at a relatively comfortable 3,950 feet.

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For safety and ease of operation, Dassault’s Digital Flight Control System synchronises control inputs along the aircraft’s three axes, improving yaw stability, and roll and pitch damping. On autopilot, the DFCS continuously works to improve the control response during turbulence, which improves passenger and crew comfort.

How does the Falcon 6X enhance passenger comfort, and what amenities can travellers expect onboard?

The Falcon 6X features four customisable lounge areas. It can be done in multiple layouts, depending on the needs of the buyer – from a bedroom to a dining room, a conference room to an entertainment room.

How do business jets like the Falcon 6X help time-poor business travellers maximise their productivity and efficiency?

Business jet travellers get to use a separate terminal or space when flying from a commercial airport, saving them the time queuing up at check-in counters, immigration and customs clearance. If a smaller airport is available and nearer to the destination they are travelling to, the flexibility of the airplane, and its ability to land on short runways, will also save them time. Onboard a business jet like the Falcon 6X, the spacious cabin transforms into a flying office, allowing work to be completed seamlessly with high-speed internet connections. Reduced fatigue from a more relaxing journey also ensures travellers arrive refreshed and ready to hit the ground running. On-demand scheduling provides flexibility to manage busy itineraries, and the private environment allows for confidential business discussions.

In essence, the Falcon 6X becomes an extension of the office, turning travel time into productive work time. The whole point of having a business jet is to be able to travel on demand and not be bound by the flight schedules of airlines. For example, if a business executive needs to travel from Hong Kong to Dubai for a meeting in the afternoon and then off to London for a business dinner in the evening, it can only be done with a business jet.

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How has the demand for business jet travel in the Asia Pacific region evolved in recent years?

The Asia Pacific region has witnessed a significant resurgence in business jet travel recently, particularly in Southeast Asia. This growth is attributed to several factors. First, booming economies are creating a larger pool of entrepreneurs seeking private travel options. Second, expanding trade within the region necessitates efficient and time-sensitive travel solutions. Finally, a shift in travel preferences among business leaders prioritises the time-saving benefits and privacy that business jets offer.

What impact has the COVID-19 pandemic had on business jet travel in Asia Pacific, and how is the market recovering?

The pandemic did affect business jet travel but not as greatly as commercial airlines. When border restrictions were slowly easing, airliners remained grounded as the routes were slowly resumed. However, business jets were already up and running. Business executives had to travel and the demand for business jet travel was booming. Everyone thought that the resumption of airline routes would lead to a fall in demand for business jet travel but that wasn’t the case. When someone gets exposed to travelling on a business jet, it will be hard to go back to travelling commercially. The time-savings, efficiency, privacy and extra safety, including reduced touchpoints (there are less than 20 touchpoints when you fly private as opposed to more than 700 onboard a commercial flight) are highly valued by business travellers.

The total number of business jet flights departing from Asia-Pacific was 43% higher in Q3 2023 as compared to Q3 2019. Similarly, there was a 22% increase in flights departing from the region in October 2022 – September 2023 compared to October 2021 – September 2022, with a notable 16% surge in Q3 2023 over Q3 2022. This means that business aviation has not only surpassed pre-COVID levels but there is continuing growth in the market.

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Which countries in the Asia Pacific region are experiencing the most significant growth in business jet travel?

Singapore has continued to be a popular destination for business jets with roughly 4,900 flights in the past 12 months. India is a rapidly growing market with a consistent uptick in business jet travel, more specifically Mumbai.

What specific preferences and needs do business jet customers in Asia Pacific have compared to other regions?

We do see a trend in Asia Pacific for larger and longer-range jets like the Falcon 6X. As more businesses in the region expand their footprint globally, business executives will require a time-saving tool to get them to where their businesses are.

How is Dassault adapting its strategy to cater to the growing demand for business jets in the Asia Pacific market?

Other than designing our future products like the Falcon 10X (above), due to enter into service in 2027, to cater to the needs of our customers, we have also expanded our support capabilities to our customers in this region. ExecuJet MRO Services, a Dassault Aviation company, has recently moved to a new and larger facility in Subang, Kuala Lumpur. The new facility increases our capabilities and caters to the growing demand in the region.

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Can you discuss the customisation options available for business jets to cater to the specific needs of corporate travellers?

For Dassault, the customisations are endless. When you buy a Falcon, your customisation journey starts at either one of our Dassault Customer Experience centres in Paris-Le Bourget, France or Teterboro, New Jersey near New York. The customisations include the interior layout, and the interior materials, which include the world’s finest leathers and woods.

If you’re using a jet a lot for business, a conducive workspace and fast internet connection are crucial for video conferences and streaming on board. The whole point of customisation is to build the business jet like an extension of its users’ lifestyle.

What future innovations can we expect from Dassault in the business aviation sector?

The Falcon 10X, entering into service in 2027, will be the largest purpose-built business jet in the market. The 10X will also be equipped with one throttle, called Smart Throttle, to control both engines, while the cockpit will be equipped with dual HUDs as sole means of flying.

In addition, aviation is under the spotlight for its carbon emissions and Dassault Aviation has made it a point to focus on sustainability.

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From your perspective as an executive at Dassault, what excites you most about the future of business jet travel?

Business aviation is at the forefront of sustainability within the aviation industry. The spotlight is on us to push for carbon neutrality faster than the rest of the industry. At Dassault Aviation, we firmly believe that business aviation must lead the way in decarbonising the aviation industry. Dassault Aviation has also developed a tool to optimise flight routes called FalconWays. We are exploring several technologies, including Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), which look very promising: our Falcon jets can already fly with fuel containing 50% SAF and the Falcon 10X will be 100% sustainable aviation fuel compatible from day one. With the heavy focus on carbon emissions, we will see more fuel-efficient and 100% SAF compatible aircraft taking to the skies and more business jet operators and owners will opt for SAF refuelling wherever possible.

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