Irish Air Corps Learjet replacement

On 18 December 2024, the Irish government announced that they placed an order with Dassault Aviation for a brand new Falcon 6X VIP jet.

The Falcon 6X will replace the Learjet 45, serial 258, which has been in service with the Irish Air Corps' 102 Squadron since 2003. The Learjet has primarily been used for Presidential and Ministerial transport, along with VIP transport and air ambulance missions.

In recent years, the Learjet has experienced frequent technical issues, reducing its serviceability and reliability. These problems have resulted in the Prime Minister being stranded in Brussels and Ministers missing overseas appointments at the last moment.

In late 2023, a search for a replacement was launched, and the Falcon 6X was selected. This aircraft represents a significant improvement in capabilities. It can carry up to fourteen passengers, compared to just seven in the Learjet, and boasts a greatly enhanced range of 5,000 nautical miles, compared to the Learjet's 2,000. This increased range will reduce the need for fuel stops during long-range missions. The new jet, costing €53 million, is expected to be delivered in December 2025.

Just as the rest of the Irish Air Corps's aircraft, the Falcon will be based at Baldonell airfield.

Credit photos: Paul Soons/Falcon 6X and Robert Eikelenboom/Learjet (both Scramble Archive)