Today we explore the etymology of the word “laurels,” with help from the Merriam-Webster dictionary and other online resources.
Laurels can refer to a wreath of evergreen shrubs we see quite often this time of year, decorating our homes and offices and, of course, shopping malls. It is a symbol of the season.
Laurels can also refer to a recognition or a reward for accomplishment. We are proud to note as 2019 closes Dassault’s recognition by two leading aviation publications as the Number One-rated service organization in the industry.
This was a momentous year for the expansion and evolution of the Falcon global service organization. We acquired TAG Maintenance Services, RUAG’s business aviation MRO operations and ExecuJet MRO Services. These acquisitions place Dassault factory service closer to you all over the world.
Our work is far from done. Which is why we most certainly do not intend to rest on our laurels. This expression, first noted in English in the 1830s, means to feel comfortable and complacent because you have been successful in the past.
That is not the Dassault way. You will see us listening attentively to operators in 2020 to see where we can continue to improve your aircraft efficiency and availability, as well as your overall customer experience. With that in mind, I am pleased to announce our 2020 schedule of M&O events in eight locations around the world (about which operators will receive more information soon):
April 1-2 Paris, FRANCE
April 8 Dallas, Texas, USA
April 16 Denver, Colorado, USA
April 23 Toluca, MEXICO
April 29 São Paulo, BRAZIL
May 12 Westchester, New York, USA
May 19 Chicago, Illinois, USA
October 21 Beijing, CHINA
We had record attendance this year with nearly 900 Falcon customers participating and we expect to see even more next year. Here’s a preview of what’s in store:
- An update on service network strategy and expansion
- A report on spares availability, pricing and our expanding distribution network
- A sustainability update
- In the U.S. and Brazil, a new All-Model technical session
- Model-specific technical/pilot ops sessions, including:
- Technical sessions devoted to our Classic fleet operators in Paris and Dallas. The Dallas M&O on April 8 is open to all Classic Falcon operators.
- The Paris M&O will offer:
- A cabin session for flight attendants
- A dedicated booth to meet our Customer Support engineers
An essential part of our mission in 2020 will be to look to our laurels, meaning to actively maintain one’s favorable position when faced with competition.
In the meantime, warm wishes for the holidays and a bright New Year.
See you in 2020! Jean Kayanakis
Senior Vice President, Worldwide Customer Service & Service Center Network
Dassault Aviation
