This article is based on an official press release from Dassault Aviation, with additional context from industry reporting.

Dassault Aviation Highlights Falcon 6X and Upcoming 10X at Singapore Airshow 2026

Dassault Aviation has returned to the Changi Exhibition Centre for the Singapore Air-Shows 2026, positioning its newly in-service Falcon 6X as a primary contender for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) business jet market. Running from February 3 to February 8, the event marks the first appearance of the Falcon 6X in Singapore since it entered service in late 2023.

According to an official press release from Dassault Aviation, the French Manufacturers is using the event to showcase the 6X’s capabilities while providing critical updates on its ultra-long-range flagship, the Falcon 10X. With the APAC region seeing a resurgence in business travel, Dassault is emphasizing cabin comfort and operational flexibility to capture regional demand.

Falcon 6X: Operational Debut in Asia

The centerpiece of Dassault’s static display is the Falcon 6X. While the aircraft has visited the region during its development phase, this show represents its debut as a fully operational, global platform. The manufacturer reports that the aircraft is now fully in service worldwide.

The Falcon 6X is marketed heavily on its interior dimensions. Until the larger Falcon 10X enters service, the 6X holds the title for the largest cabin cross-section (height and width) of any purpose-built Private-Jets currently in operation.

Performance and Regional Fit

Dassault executives argue that the 6X is uniquely suited for the diverse geography of the Asia-Pacific region. The aircraft features a range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 km), allowing for non-stop flights from Singapore to destinations such as Sydney, Dubai, or Moscow.

Beyond range, the aircraft is equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812D engines and a Digital Flight Control System (DFCS) derived from Dassault’s Rafale fighter jets. These technologies reportedly grant the 6X significant short-field capabilities, enabling access to smaller, challenging Airports that larger competitors may struggle to utilize.

In a statement regarding the aircraft’s reception, Carlos Brana, Executive Vice President of Civil Aircraft at Dassault, noted the positive feedback from early adopters:

“The 6X has earned strong marks from first operators for its cabin comfort and quietness.”

, Carlos Brana, Executive VP of Civil Aircraft, Dassault Aviation

Falcon 10X and Leadership Updates

While the 6X takes the physical spotlight, Dassault is also using the airshow to build momentum for the Falcon 10X. According to reporting by Aviation Week, the manufacturer expects the 10X to spur sales significantly once it begins Test-Flights. Dassault executives confirmed at the show that the 10X program is advancing through development milestones, with the First-Flight projected for later in 2026.

New Leadership for Asia-Pacific

Coinciding with the airshow, Dassault announced a strategic leadership change for the region. AIN Online reports that Didier Raynard has been named the new Senior Vice President of Sales for the Asia-Pacific region. Raynard succeeds Jean-Michel Jacob, who is retiring. Raynard will be based in Kuala Lumpur, a move that signals Dassault’s continued commitment to maintaining a strong local presence in Southeast Asia.

AirPro News Analysis: Market Context and Sustainability

The timing of the Singapore Airshow 2026 comes as the industry faces increasing pressure regarding sustainability. According to The Straits Times, Singapore has announced a target for 1% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) uplift for flights departing Changi Airport starting in 2026.

Dassault has positioned the Falcon 6X as SAF-compatible, leveraging its advanced aerodynamics and lighter weight to argue for higher efficiency. However, the manufacturer faces stiff competition. Rival manufacturers Bombardier and Gulfstream are also present at the show, displaying the Global 7500 and G700 respectively.

While competitors often focus on maximum range and speed, our analysis suggests Dassault is carving a specific niche by prioritizing cabin width and airport accessibility. The “bleisure” travel trend, blending business and leisure, cited by industry observers suggests that the 6X’s wider cabin may appeal to owners traveling with families, potentially offsetting the raw range advantage of competitor airframes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Falcon 6X enter service?

The Falcon 6X entered service in late 2023.

What is the range of the Falcon 6X?

The aircraft has a range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 km).

When is the Falcon 10X expected to fly?

Dassault executives expect the Falcon 10X to make its first flight later in 2026.

Who is the new Dassault sales lead for Asia-Pacific?

Didier Raynard has been appointed as the new Senior VP of Sales for the region, replacing Jean-Michel Jacob.

Sources

• Dassault Aviation Press Release
• FlightGlobal
• Aviation Week
• The Straits Times
• AIN Online

This article is based on an official press release from Honda Aircraft Company.

HondaJet Elite II Secures FAA Certification for Emergency Autoland System

Honda Aircraft Company has officially received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for its Emergency Autoland system on the HondaJet Elite II. According to the company’s announcement, this milestone establishes the Elite II as the first twin-turbine very light jet (VLJ) in production to offer a fully autonomous landing capability designed to save lives in the event of pilot incapacitation.

The certification marks a significant advancement in safety technology for the twin-engine sector. While autonomous landing systems have previously been certified on single-engine turboprops and jets, the HondaJet Elite II is the first aircraft in its specific category, twin-turbine VLJ, to standardize this technology. The system functions as a fail-safe mechanism, capable of landing the aircraft without any human intervention if the pilot becomes unresponsive.

This achievement follows the certification of the aircraft’s Autothrottle system in October 2024, a necessary precursor that allows the flight computer to manage engine thrust during descent and landing. With FAA approval now complete for United States-registered aircraft, Honda Aircraft Company has stated it is pursuing validation from international regulatory bodies to make the feature available globally.

How the Emergency Autoland System Works

Integrated into the HondaJet’s Garmin G3000 avionics suite, the Emergency Autoland system is designed to activate in worst-case scenarios. According to technical details released by the manufacturer, the system can be engaged in two ways: manually by a passenger pressing a guarded button, or automatically if the system detects no pilot activity for a set duration.

Once activated, the autonomous flight director takes full control of the aircraft. The sequence of events, as described in the system’s specifications, includes:

• Stabilization: The aircraft immediately levels its wings and assesses weather, terrain, and fuel status.
• Airport Selection: The computer identifies the optimal nearby airport based on runway length and suitability.
• Communication: The system broadcasts automated voice and data messages to Air Traffic Control (ATC) to declare an emergency.
• Approach and Landing: The aircraft navigates to the runway, executes a precision approach, brakes to a complete stop, and shuts down the engines to allow safe exit.

In a statement regarding the certification, Honda Aircraft Company leadership emphasized the customer-centric focus of this development.

“Adding Emergency Autoland to the HondaJet Elite II demonstrates our commitment to delivering new value to our customers. I’m proud that our team is fulfilling on this promise by offering Emergency Autoland and giving our HondaJet Elite II customers greater peace of mind during every flight.”

Hideto Yamasaki, President & CEO, Honda Aircraft Company

Market Context and Competitive Landscape

The certification of Emergency Autoland on the Elite II closes a technological gap between single-engine owner-flown aircraft and twin-engine business jets. Previously, systems like Garmin’s Autoland were primarily associated with single-engine platforms such as the Cirrus Vision Jet and the Piper M600/SLS. By implementing this on a twin-engine jet, Honda Aircraft Company addresses a critical safety concern for owner-operators who prefer the redundancy of two engines but often fly single-pilot.

AirPro News Analysis

We view this certification as a pivotal moment for the “step-up” market. Historically, pilots moving from high-performance single-engine aircraft to twin-engine jets had to sacrifice the autonomous safety nets available on newer turboprops. The HondaJet Elite II now eliminates that trade-off. This move will likely pressure other manufacturers in the light and mid-size jet categories to accelerate the integration of autonomous recovery systems, eventually making “return-to-base” capability a standard expectation rather than a luxury option.

Aircraft Specifications

The HondaJet Elite II combines this new safety utility with established performance metrics. Based on manufacturer data and industry specifications, the aircraft features:

• Engines: Two GE Honda HF120 Turbofans
• Max Range: 1,547 nautical miles (with 4 occupants)
• Max Cruise Speed: 422 KTAS
• Avionics: Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck
• Configuration: Typically 1 Pilot + 6 Passengers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the system available on older HondaJet models?
The Emergency Autoland system is certified specifically for the HondaJet Elite II. While the manufacturer has confirmed it for this model, availability for older variants (such as the original Elite or classic HondaJet) generally depends on avionics hardware compatibility, and no broad retrofit program for non-Elite II models was detailed in this specific announcement.

Can the system be overridden?
Yes. According to standard Garmin Autoland protocols used in these implementations, a pilot can typically disengage the system and resume manual control by pressing the autopilot disconnect button or taking other specific actions, provided they are conscious and able to do so.

When will it be available outside the US?
The current certification applies to the FAA (United States). Honda Aircraft Company has indicated that validation with other agencies, such as EASA (Europe) and Transport Canada, is actively being pursued.

Sources

• Honda Aircraft Company

This article summarizes reporting by Bloomberg and journalist Avril Hong. The original report is paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.

Gulfstream Targets 160 Deliveries in 2026 Amidst Strong Demand and Geopolitical Headwinds

Gulfstream Aerospace has officially set a target to deliver 160 business jets in 2026, signaling a strategy of stability and modest growth following a strong performance in 2025. The projection was confirmed by Scott Neal, Gulfstream’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales, during an interview with Bloomberg at the Singapore Airshow 2026.

The announcement comes as the manufacturer capitalizes on the certification of its next-generation flagship models, the G700 and G800, while navigating a complex trade dispute between the United States and Canada that threatens to impact North American deliveries.

Production Targets and Financial Performance

According to the interview conducted by Bloomberg, the goal of 160 aircraft represents a steady continuation of the company’s recent trajectory. This target aligns with data from General Dynamics, Gulfstream’s parent company, which reported 158 deliveries in 2025, a significant increase from the 136 units delivered in 2024.

General Dynamics has characterized the 2026 outlook as “flat with a little upside,” a phrasing that suggests a deliberate focus on supply chain reliability rather than aggressive volume expansion. Financial-Results from January 2026 indicate that the Aerospace division generated $13.1 billion in revenue in 2025 and projects approximately $13.6 billion for the current year.

Market Demand Indicators

Demand for large-cabin business jets remains robust. General Dynamics reported a book-to-bill ratio of 1.4x for 2025, meaning the company received nearly one and a half new orders for every jet delivered. This backlog provides a strong buffer against potential economic volatility.

Fleet Updates: The G700 and G800 Era

The 2026 delivery goals are heavily supported by Gulfstream’s newest ultra-long-range jets. The G700, which features the industry’s largest cabin, received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in March 2024 and has become a primary revenue driver.

Additionally, the G800, designed to replace the G650ER with an 8,000-nautical-mile range, achieved type certification from both the FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in April 2025. These certifications allow Gulfstream to fulfill its substantial order book for these models across major global markets.

Geopolitical Challenges: The US-Canada Dispute

While the Asia-Pacific market remains a focus at the Singapore Airshow, Gulfstream faces a significant regulatory hurdle in North America. According to industry reporting by FlightGlobal and Aviation International News, a diplomatic dispute has arisen regarding the certification of Gulfstream jets in Canada.

Transport Canada has declined to certify the G700 and G800, citing requirements for additional cold-weather fuel system testing. While the FAA granted Gulfstream a three-year exemption to complete this testing while continuing deliveries, Canadian regulators have refused to accept this waiver.

The situation escalated in January 2026, when U.S. President Donald Trump threatened trade retaliation against Canadian-built aircraft if the “blockade” on Gulfstream products continued. This standoff introduces uncertainty for Canadian customers and highlights the vulnerability of aerospace manufacturing to broader trade tensions.

AirPro News Analysis

Stability Over Surge: Gulfstream’s target of 160 jets, only two more than the previous year, indicates a mature approach to manufacturing. Rather than chasing record-breaking delivery numbers that could strain a recovering supply chain, the company appears focused on margin expansion and production efficiency. By keeping targets realistic, Gulfstream mitigates the risk of the “traveling work” phenomenon, where unfinished jets pile up awaiting parts, a problem that plagued the industry in previous years.

The Asia-Pacific Pivot: The choice to highlight these targets at the Singapore Airshow is strategic. With the North American market facing temporary friction due to the Canadian certification dispute, the Asia-Pacific region offers a critical alternative for high-value deliveries of the G700 and G800.

Sources

Sources: Bloomberg, General Dynamics Investor Relations, FlightGlobal