Presidential jet undergoes final safety tests in France – Ministry of Defense

Ghana’s presidential jet is currently undergoing final safety and performance tests in France after several months of extensive maintenance.

Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, disclosed this to Parliament.

Mr. Genfi said the aircraft was ferried to Dassault Falcon Service in Le Bourget, France, on March 11, 2025, for a mandatory 24-month and 1,600-flying-hour periodic inspection. The procedure, he explained, is a standard airworthiness requirement to ensure that all critical maintenance and functional checks are completed before the aircraft is cleared to fly.

“Mr. Speaker, the Falcon 900 executive aircraft was ferried to Dassault Falcon Service in Le Bourget, France, on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, for the 24-monthly and 1,600-flying-hours periodic inspection. This inspection is a mandatory airworthiness requirement that ensures that all main maintenance and due-list tasks compiled for the inspection are completed,” he said.

The Deputy Minister revealed that corrosion spots were detected in the aircraft’s fuel tanks during the early stages of the inspection, which delayed its return to Ghana. Those issues, he said, have since been addressed after extensive repairs by Dassault engineers.

He added that further complications emerged when fuel leakages were discovered in the right-hand wing tank, requiring additional repairs and technical interventions.

“After successfully repairing the section of the wing that experienced the leakages, other challenges were encountered while reinstalling the lower panel beneath the wing,” Mr. Genfi explained.

To expedite the process, Dassault Aviation engaged the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the Falcon 900’s wing to conduct an on-site assessment and recommend solutions. The OEM has since completed the necessary work, and the right-hand wing has been fully restored.

“Upon completion of the rectification, the aircraft will undergo a leak test of the fuel tanks, a third engine ground run, painting of the wing lower panel, and finally, an acceptance flight will be performed,” he told Parliament.

Mr. Genfi assured the House that the Falcon 900 Executive Jet would return to Ghana once all final tests and certifications are completed. He reaffirmed that the Ministry of Defence remains committed to maintaining the aircraft’s airworthiness and ensuring compliance with international safety and engineering standards.

The Falcon 900 Executive Jet, built by Dassault Aviation, is used for presidential and high-level government transport. Its ongoing inspection forms part of Ghana’s broader effort to maintain operational safety within the country’s executive air fleet.