(Sao Paulo, Brazil, August 12, 2010) – “As the business aviation market recovers, we expect Brazil will to be one of the fastest growing markets in the world,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon at the 2010 Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (LABACE). “Brazil has experienced a very healthy growth in GDP and benefits from a diversified economy built on exports. All of the elements for a very bright future in Brazil are in place.”
Dassault Falcon, which owns over 60% of the large cabin business jet category in Brazil, expects market share to continue to grow as 13 new Falcons are delivered in Brazil over the next five years. “Dassault Falcon delivered the first Falcon in Brazil over 30 years ago and opened our first office here 15 years ago,” said Rosanvallon. “Our commitment grew when we were the first manufacturer to open a service center here. That facility in Sorocaba has been well received locally and recently received FAA certification to offer service on U.S. registered aircraft.” In 2010, Dassault added three employees at the Sorocaba Service Center to meet current and future demand.
The facility came online in June 2009 when it received its repair station certification from the Brazilian airworthiness authority, Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC). In addition to ANAC and FAA approval, provisionary approval from the Bermuda Department of Civil Aviation was received early this year. Permanent approval is expected shortly. EASA approval is expected in the middle of 2011.
The Sorocaba service center is authorized to perform line maintenance and airframe inspections on all Falcon models except the Falcon 20 and Falcon 100. In addition, the facility is qualified to perform engine maintenance on the CFE-738; Honeywell TFE731- series and Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A, PW308C models. Specialized nondestructive testing (NDT) services, such as Penetrant, Ultrasonic and Eddy Current methods can also be performed. A full service battery shop is available to repair, replace or charge main and emergency batteries on Falcon or other aircraft models.
Sorocaba also has an AOG ‘GoTeam’ to provide rapid mobile response directly to an aircraft location anywhere in South America, with the parts and tools necessary to get a Falcon flying with minimal delay. Dassault houses over $1.5 million (U.S.) in high usage parts located in São Paulo at both Sorocaba and Congonhas Airports. The 23,000 square foot facility can also be used to hangar up to three Falcons.
At LABACE, Dassault Falcon will be displaying the state-of-the-art 5,950 nm Falcon 7X and the highly fuel efficient 4,000 nm Falcon 2000LX.
