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 made the first flight with its Falcon 10X on Friday, kicking off a test campaign it hopes will lead to type certification in 2027. The ultra-long-range business jet took off from runway 23 at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (LFBD) at 11.10 a.m., landing two-and-a-half hours later at 1.40 p.m., the French manufacturer reported.
Test pilots Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin and co-pilot Fabrice Dougnac were at the controls to conduct an initial evaluation of the 10X’s handling qualities at 15,000 feet. Then they retracted the landing gear and all movable surfaces before climbing to 40,000 feet where they accelerated to Mach 0.82.
The first example of the new jet will soon be joined by a second test aircraft that is nearing completion at Dassault’s Mérignac factory. This will be followed by a third 10X fitted out with a full cabin interior that will be used mainly for evaluating aircraft systems and cabin functionality and reliability.
“Today’s flight was the culmination of years of work by thousands of Dassault employees and partners,” de Dinechin commented. “It paid off in a flight that went as planned and was a delight to fly.”
Dassault rolled out the first of the new Falcons at an <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-03-10/dassault-chases-bizjet-market-pinnacle-falcon-10x">event in Bordeaux</a> on March 10. With the widest cabin in its class, the 10X is expected to offer eight-passenger range of 7,500 nm and a top speed of Mach 0.925.
"This inaugural flight is another milestone for Dassault," said the group's 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. All of us our excited to see this day as we launch the new phase of the 10X."
The clean-sheet design is powered by a pair of&nbsp;Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X turbofans, delivering more than 18,000 pounds of thrust. The flight deck features the NeXus avionics suite developed with Honeywell.

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.

Dassault Falcon 10X Business Jet Makes First Test Flight

French manufacturer is targeting type certification for ultra-long-range model in 2027

The first of three examples of Dassault's Falcon 10X ultra-long-range business aircraft started flight testing from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport on Friday.

Dassault Falcon 10X Bizjet Makes First Test Flight

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Greensboro campus to build blended-wing-body airliner

JetZero Breaks Ground on Z4 Factory in North Carolina

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.

Friedrichshafen event claims it is now Europe’s biggest business aviation trade show

Germany’s Aero Show Targets Further Bizav Growth in 2027

Charlotte Bailey

Flight envelope expansion precedes first crewed mission in mid-2027

Eve 100 eVTOL Set to Make Low-speed Transition Flight 

Matt Thurber

Ultra-long-range jet joins the Hong Kong company’s managed fleet

Metrojet Places First Global 8000 in Asia into Service

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.

More In Aircraft

JetZero Breaks Ground on Z4 Factory in North Carolina

Greensboro campus to build blended-wing-body airliner

Germany’s Aero Show Targets Further Bizav Growth in 2027

Friedrichshafen event claims it is now Europe’s biggest business aviation trade show

Eve 100 eVTOL Set to Make Low-speed Transition Flight

Flight envelope expansion precedes first crewed mission in mid-2027

Metrojet Places First Global 8000 in Asia into Service

Ultra-long-range jet joins the Hong Kong company’s managed fleet

Embraer Touts Counter-UAS Role for A-29N Super Tucano

Light attack aircraft is evolving beyond existing NATO-standard variant

IADA Recognizes 16 More as Certified Aircraft Brokers

Latest certified brokers bring the total number recognized under the IADA program to 233

GJC Raises $659M in Securities for Bizjet Financing

Financier has securitized $6.7 billion thanks to nine BJETS offerings

Bombardier Global 8000 Fleet Expands to Africa

First African delivery goes to Nigerian-based BUA Group

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN