Next week, we’ll host about 600 attendees representing many European flight departments for our first M&O gathering in Paris since we heard of a nasty virus called Covid-19. We can all celebrate a little bit this return to normalcy, even as we keep our guard up against new variants—and whatever else the world throws at us.
During the depths of the Covid crisis, we improvised, making use of video-conferencing applications to maintain something approximating face-to-face communications. Most who participated felt that these forums exceeded expectations. They kept important information flowing and maintained an essential dialogue within the Falcon family.
But if there is one oft-cited axiom in business aviation—nothing really replaces face-to-face interaction. So, as an M&O participant myself, I’m thrilled that these sessions are back. They improve the experience of operating a Falcon jet.
As you can imagine after all this time, we’ll have a lot to talk about. We’ll have big topics, like sustainable aviation fuels and the new EASy IV flight deck being introduced for the 6X, 7X and 8X.
We’ll have other topics, no less important to certain operators: for example, landing gear maintenance for earlier models from the Falcon 10 to the Falcon 50, avionics upgrades and aftermarket solutions. The conversation at an M&O has a lot to do with maintenance, but there is also a lot of substance for pilots, covering flight operations and new regulations, plus training, FalconSphere apps that make flight planning easier, and other topics.
In sum, there will be a lot of valuable information conveyed—and that info sharing is of course a two-way street, in which we hear valuable feedback from operators. The Paris meeting kicks off a series of meetings in Europe, North America and South America.
Then there is the intangible benefit of just gathering together again. We won’t deny that Paris is a nice locale for a conference or that our cafes and restaurants provide convivial spots to renew acquaintances.
If we learned anything during Covid, it’s that business is not only about business; it’s about relationships that transcend business—and add joy and purpose to our lives.
I hope to see you in Paris or at one of our other M&O meetings.
Jean Kayanakis
Senior Vice President, Worldwide Falcon Customer Service & Service Center Network
Dassault Aviation
