April 9, 2020
Business aviation original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) continue to lend a hand in local and international efforts to stem the effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Dassault Aviation recently made two of its Falcon jets available for the French Defense Ministry’s “Operation Resilience” effort to provide logistical and medical support to civilian efforts combating the virus.
The company flew its first mission April 5 using a 15-seat Falcon 8X and a 13-passenger Falcon 900. According to Dassault, the aircraft ferried a team of 26 doctors and other medical personnel, who previously accompanied COVID-19 patients to Brest, back home to Paris.
Both aircraft are operated by the company’s Dassault Falcon Service maintenance and flight operation subsidiary based at Paris’ Le Bourget Airport. Additionally, both aircraft remain available to support future “Resilience” operations as conditions warrant, said Dassault officials.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected Dassault’s North American operations, as the company’s Dassault Aircraft Service MRO facility in Wilmington, DE, closed April 3 after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus, although the facility is expected to reopen in late April.
Learn more about Dassault Aviation and Operation Resilience.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.