Falcon 6X Cleared for London City’s Steep Approach

London City Airport (EGLC) has confirmed that Dassault’s Falcon 6X jet has been cleared to use its 5.5-degree steep approach and 4,984-foot runway. The approval by the UK Civil Aviation Authority was announced yesterday, with the 6X joining other Falcon models in being able to operate at the airport close to the UK capital’s financial center. Crews also need to be separately approved for the steep approach at EGLC.

Flights can arrive and depart from London City between 6:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays, from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and between 12:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Sundays. Operators can access the Private Jet Centre FBO one hour before opening time each day, and the facility advertises 90-second departure and arrival checks.

According to Dassault, the 6X has also made test flights into Lugano Airport in Switzerland with its 6.65-degree steep approach and has also landed at Gstaad Saanen Airport serving the exclusive Alpine ski resort. However, it is not yet approved for operations at these airports.

Albanati Aeronautics is the first Falcon 6X operator to be approved to fly the aircraft into London City Airport. Dassault has also conducted demonstration flights with the aircraft at challenging high-altitude airports such as La Paz in Bolivia and Telluride in Colorado.

The manufacturer is working to secure approval for dual head up display capability for the 6X. The aircraft's EASy IV flight deck can include a runway overrun awareness and alerting system to meet an EASA mandate for commercial operations that is anticipated in 2026.

This story was updated on October 17 to clarify that the Falcon 6X is not approved for operations at Lugano Airport.