Story ID: 
Falcon Jet Sales Up, Deliveries Down
By: Gordon Gilbert
Caption: Dassault chairman and CEO Charles Edelstenne said yesterday that the company ended last year with record sales for 123 Falcon business jets–the first time 
Word Count: 145
Dassault chairman and CEO Charles Edelstenne said yesterday that the company ended last year with record sales for 123 Falcon business jets–the first time the company has sold more than 100 Falcons in a single year, “and this without the benefit of multiple sales to fractional providers.” At the end of last year, Dassault said it had a total backlog of more than 200 aircraft. However, Dassault continued the roller-coaster ride it’s been on for nearly a decade when it comes to deliveries. Last year, the French manufacturer delivered 51 Falcons–the same number as in 1997–including two examples of its newest model, the Falcon 900DX, that is replacing the 900C. The company made 63 deliveries in 2004. Since 1997, Falcon shipments have variously increased and decreased annually, reaching a record high of 75 in 2001 to a low of 48 in 1998. Edelestenne projected that “more than 60” aircraft will be delivered this year.