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PR: (Saint-Cloud, France, June 19, 2026) – Today, Dassault Aviation’s all-new Falcon 10X has successfully completed its first flight, demonstrating the program’s maturity and marking the launch of the flight test campaign.
“This inaugural flight is another milestone for Dassault,” said Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. “It is a reflection of the dedication and high skill of our engineering, production, and flight teams, and also the quality of our global network of partners. All of us are excited to see this day as we launch into a new phase for the 10X.”
Test Pilot Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin and copilot Fabrice Dougnac took off from runway 23 at Bordeaux-Mérignac at 11.10 a.m. for a two-hour and 30-minute flight. The pilots evaluated handling qualities and systems at 15,000 feet, then retracted the landing gear and all movable surfaces before climbing to 40,000 feet, where they accelerated to Mach 0.82. They returned to Bordeaux-Mérignac for a smooth landing at 1.40 p.m.
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The first aircraft will be soon followed into the air by a second test aircraft nearing completion, and by a third, that is being outfitted with a full interior and will be used mainly for systems and cabin functional and reliability testing.
Dassault Aviation is the only aircraft manufacturer in the world to have a completely new aircraft in flight in 2026. Dassault’s dual expertise—in civil and defense—is a long-term strength for the company.
Notes:
- Dassault is firmly on its way to chase Gulfstream and Bombardier at the top end of the market.
- As we noted on the 10X in March, ‘The interior space, crisp handling, and advanced flight controls to enhance safety differentiate the Falcon 10X from its competitors at the top of the market.’
- What was a duopoly at the top end is now a three-horse race. The Falcon comes with a respected heritage, and customers in this segment now have better pricing power than before.
- Crucially, Dassault has come a long way from the 5X and Silvercrest fumble. The 10X program has been running smoothly.
- It’s great to see a program move through its phases, given the stress commercial aviation faces overall.
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