Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Dassault Aviation’s defense activities generally contributed a stronger boost to its business jet unit in half-year financial results announced today. During a press conference in Paris outlining its first-half results, group CEO Éric Trappier warned that an unfavorable outcome to ongoing negotiations between the U.S. government and the EU over tariffs could dent Falcon sales.
During the first six months, total order intake at Dassault grew by 57%, to €8.1 billion ($9.5 billion), from the €5.1 billion recorded in the same period last year. With eight Falcon business jets ordered during the first half—three less than last year—this generated €900 million in orders, which was slightly down on last year’s tally of €1 billion.
By comparison, the group’s defense unit recorded orders worth €7.2 billion from export customers and its home customer, the French government. A highlight of the first half of the year was an order in April from India for 26 Rafale Marine combat airplanes, representing the first export order for this type.
Twelve Falcons were delivered during the first half, unchanged from the first six months of last year. Trappier reported that the 6X fleet has now logged more than 3,400 flight-hours.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="Dassault Falcon 6X" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22c36900-078f-43e4-971c-ccf759f3e0d6" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/DA00058763S.jpg" width="2000" height="1334" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>The global fleet of Dassault Falcon 6X jets has now logged more than 3,400 flight hours.</figcaption>
</figure>

Dassault’s engineering team is now intently focused on development of the new Falcon 10X. Trappier declined to say when the first flight is expected, pointing instead to the larger cabin this will bring to the long-range segment of the private aviation market.
<h2>Net Sales Grow</h2>
Net sales during the reporting period reached €2.8 billion, which was 12% up YOY from €2.5 billion. This was bolstered by an increase in military export orders, but 12 Falcon sales worth €1.1 billion were also part of the mix, and this was slightly higher than last year.
The group’s backlog of orders grew by 12% to €48.3 billion, which again was mainly due to military export successes now covering 186 aircraft worth €35.2 billion. By contrast, the Falcon backlog, as of June 30, stood at 75 jets, worth €4.7 billion, which was slightly down on the 79-aircraft tally in the first half of 2024.
Dassault’s latest guidance to financial analysts anticipated year-end net sales of €6.5 billion. This envisages an uptick in new sales for the remainder of 2025 that could include 40 Falcons and 25 Rafales.
As part of efforts to boost Falcon sales in export markets with potential growth, in June Dassault announced plans to start manufacturing 2000LXS twinjets in Nagpur, India, through a new joint venture called <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-06-18/dassault-falcon-2000xls-bizjets-be-made-india">Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd</a>. As part of the wider “Made in India” strategy that underpins the country’s Rafale order, Falcon 2000 fuselage and wing assembly will move to the plant in Northern India to support the first locally-made aircraft rolling off the new line in 2028.
<h2>Trappier: Tariffs Are ‘a Thorn in Our Side’</h2>
Trappier described the tariffs threatened by the Trump administration against the EU as “a thorn in our side” and that there is no way they can be accepted by the aviation industry since they would wipe out Dassault’s 6% operating profit. He called on European leaders to “fight” for a return to the 1979 trade agreement that included zero tariffs across the aviation sector.
Acknowledging that U.S. manufacturing is generally more competitive than European rivals, he pointed to Dassault’s existing completions facility in Little Rock, Arkansas. Asked by reporters about prospects for having a U.S. final assembly line for Falcons, Trappier concluded, “This is a question everyone is trying to address, including us.”
During the first half of 2025, self-financed research and development spending dipped from €200 million to €182 million. The group’s consolidated available cash increased from €8.4 billion at the end of 2024 to €9.5 billion at the end of June.
As part of ongoing efforts to boost productivity, Dassault is making investments at its French facilities in Cergy, Martignas, Méreignac, and Istres. Trappier said that the wider industry continues to struggle with supply-chain pinch-points as financially weakened suppliers struggle to remain competitive. He emphasized Dassault’s determination to recruit more women across its business as part of a concerted effort to strengthen its workforce.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Defense Bolsters Dassault as Trappier Says U.S. Tariffs Could Dent Falcons

The French group’s first-half order intake grew 57% in the first half of 2025

Export sales of Rafale fighters outperformed Dassault's Falcon business jet unit, with CEO Éric Trappier warning of further damage from U.S. tariffs.

Defense Bolsters Dassault, Trappier Decries U.S. Tariffs

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Neelam Mathews

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

New options for operating leases are starting to become more common

India’s Aircraft Leasing Sector Gets More User-friendly

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Charter contracts can be unclear over who gets paid what and how

Indemnity Insurer Calls for Clearer Charter Contracts

Matt Thurber

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Replacement bill includes a rise in fuel taxes of 7 cents per gallon

Governor Signs Washington State Luxury Tax Repeal

Charlotte Bailey

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

UK company says it potentially has access to up to $850 million in additional funds

Vertical Raises Further $50 million For eVTOL Aircraft

Curt Epstein

The industry leader spoke at NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference this week

Ricci Views Private Equity Capital as Industry Problem

Last year’s law would have imposed a 10% fee on transactions

Washington State Bill To Repeal Aircraft Luxury Tax

Amy Wilder

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Median pricing increased 10% year over year despite softer sales

Preowned Helicopter Supply Hit Five-year Low in 2025

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

In this article

Falcon 6X

Falcon 10X

Dassault

More In Finance, Taxes, Insurance