Aviation

The 2024 Singapore Airshow enjoyed quite the return to public life. After six Covid-interrupted years, during which time exhibitors pulled out and general access was limited, the latest edition broke records for attendance and showcased a new era of aviation innovation.

Dassault Aviation's Falcon 10X is finally heading into service next year. With it comes the brand's most ambitious business jet yet. Previously known for years for its light-weight, high-performance Falcons, Dassault, back in 2021, shifted its focus to building 'the largest and most capable purpose-built business jet' ever.

When Bombardier first introduced the Global 8000, it showed the possibilities yet unchartered for a private jet in its class. The jet manufacturer took the best qualities of the Global 8000's predecessor, the Global 7500, and transformed them into a flagship of unparalleled long-haul excellence. Soon, it will be the fastest and longest-range purpose-built business jet in the world, bolstering the brand's impeccable portfolio.

It's rather difficult to argue against Dassault Aviation's Falcon 6X being the very best in its class. Bigger isn't always better but in this case, it's true. It is, after all, the aerospace company's largest and most robust business jet in the brand's 60-year history, a real successor to Dassault's fabled aircraft heritage.

The Bombardier Service Centre became the home of unwavering excellence on February 7th when Pagani of Singapore and Bombardier joined forces to show off two of their finest examples of luxury, power and speed.

The affluent customers of business jet manufacturer Bombardier are some of the most mobile people in the world. Nevertheless, despite being able to fly anywhere they wish on a whim, these jet-setters still typically have a place they call home. For more and more of them, that place is Singapore.

For all the cachet and romance of private aviation, it’s typically the sheer utility that wins over buyers in the end: the flexibility of flight times, the ease of dedicated airports, the direct flight to a factory, regional office or secluded executive offsite. But yes, there’s also trading Maafaru for Male International, and the next-level comforts of a cabin to call one’s own.

“We’ve seen a tremendous change in business aviation usage,” says Jean-Christophe Gallagher, “pre- and post-pandemic.” Bombardier’s executive vice president of aircraft sales & defense appears to be invulnerable to jet lag, having touched down at 7 am that September morning after travelling halfway across the world from the United States – and looking none the worse for wear.