60 years since the day Pan Am purchased French aircraft

Six decades ago, at 5 PM on May 4, 1963, the first flight of the Dassault Mystère 20, later known as the Falcon 20, took off, marking the beginning of the company’s venture into the business jet segment.

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This milestone was followed by a remarkable journey that led to the manufacturing of more than 2,700 aircraft in various models, with the Falcon 20 captivating influential figures such as Charles Lindbergh, Pan Am CEO Juan Trippe, and FedEx founder Fred Smith.

The inaugural flight of the Falcon 20 on May 4, 1963, took place after Charles Lindbergh’s visit to Dassault’s final assembly plant in Mérignac, representing Pan Am.

Impressed with the aircraft, Lindbergh sent a message to Pan Am CEO Juan Trippe, saying, «I’ve found our bird,» which led to an order for 40 units and the establishment of Pan Am Business Jets, which later evolved into Dassault Falcon Jet (DFJ), based in Teterboro, New Jersey, recalls Dassault Falcon Jet in a release published today.

FedEx founder Fred Smith also recognized the potential of the Falcon 20, launching FedEx in 1973 with a fleet of 33 modified Falcon 20s.

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Throughout its history, Dassault has continued to innovate, with its best-selling models being the Falcon 2000 and Falcon 900. The Falcon 7X/8X line has also gained popularity, with around 400 units delivered to date.

Currently, more than 2,100 Falcons are in operation in over 90 countries worldwide.

Reflecting on the company’s legacy, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO, Eric Trappier stated: «Sixty years later, Falcons remain utterly distinctive in the world of business jets: beautiful, delightful to fly, and always at the forefront of technology, providing safety, comfort, and productivity benefits to operators around the globe.»

The Falcon 20 played a crucial role in shaping the future of aircraft safety features, from head-up cockpit displays to digital flight controls, which are now common throughout the industry.

The evolution continues in their latest models, the Falcon 6X and Falcon 10X. Both aircraft feature the largest cabin cross sections in business aviation, setting new standards for long-range passenger comfort.

The Falcon 6X is equipped with Dassault’s most advanced digital flight control system and is set to enter service this year. The Falcon 10X, currently in the early stages of assembly, will come with even more advanced systems and safety features.