United Frax Orders 100 Falcons

United Airlines' parent UAL Corp's newly launched foray into fractional jet ownership has signed its first aircraft order, for up to 100 Dassault Falcon Jets worth $2.5 billion.

The letter of intent includes 40 firm orders and 60 options. The firm orders are for 30 Falcon 2000s or 2000EXs, and ten Falcon 900EXs. The options are for 50 Falcon 2000EXs and ten Falcon 900EXs.

"We're delighted to be a member of the Falcon family," said Stuart I. Oran, president of United BizJets Holdings, at the Paris Air Show. "The order demonstrates our commitment to provide only the best to our customers."

United expects to take delivery of its first Falcon 2000 before the end of 2002. Falcons are expected to constitute around one-third of UAL's fractional fleet, which Oran hopes to grow to 200 aircraft by 2006.

Sources say United also is in discussions with General Dynamics regarding new Gulfstream business jets, but an order had not been confirmed as Show News went to press.

Ultimately, United BizJets is expected to offer shares in a full range of business jets, from the midsize Raytheon Hawker-class to the Boeing Business Jet.

Commenting on the Falcon purchase at Le Bourget, Dassault Chairman Charles Edelstenne, said, "We're very excited to be a part of UAL's new venture. We believe their commitment is a very positive development for the business jet industry."

By Paul Richfield