SAINT-CLOUD, France – The Falcon 10X took to the skies of France on Friday, marking the launch of Dassault Aviation’s flight test campaign for its all-new aircraft.

In a flight lasting two and a half hours, pilots Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin and Fabrice Dougnac evaluated handling qualities and systems before returning to Bordeaux-Mérignac for a smooth landing, and a warm reception from colleagues.

“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.”

Another test aircraft is nearing completion while a third is being outfitted with a full interior and will be used mainly for systems and cabin functional and reliability testing, the company said.

The Falcon 10X can carry up to 19 passengers in three or four living zones.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engines, the aircraft can fly non-stop New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Sydney, Paris to Santiago, or São Paulo to Dubai.

Dassault is the only manufacturer in the world to have a completely new aircraft in flight in 2026, the French company said.

All images are courtesy of Dassault Aviation.