Ghana Presidential Jet Success: Falcon 900 EX-Easy II Back After 8-Month Overhaul in France – Bright Simons’ Revelation

Updated: November 16, 2025 | Ghana’s flagship aircraft resumes service, highlighting the critical role of aviation maintenance and public oversight.

Introduction

Ghana’s presidential jet, the Dassault Falcon 900 EX-Easy II, has returned to the Ghana Air Force (GAF) after an extensive 8-month maintenance period in France. This milestone, revealed by public-interest advocate Bright Simons, underscores the importance of rigorous aviation safety inspections for government fleets. On November 10, 2025, the aircraft landed safely in Accra, concluding a technical layover that began on March 10, 2025, at the Dassault Falcon Service (DFS) Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Paris Le Bourget (PLB).

What started as a mandatory 24-month and 1,600-hour inspection evolved into a complex repair due to discovered defects, including fuel tank issues and turbofan engine failures. This event sheds light on the realities of maintaining high-performance jets like the Falcon 900 series, essential for presidential travel and official duties. In this guide, we break down the timeline, technical details, and broader lessons for aviation safety and fleet management.

Analysis

Timeline of the Ghana Presidential Jet Maintenance

The Falcon 900 EX-Easy II, a tri-jet executive aircraft known for its reliability in VIP transport, was dispatched to DFS at Paris Le Bourget on March 10, 2025. This French MRO center specializes in Dassault Falcon aircraft, ensuring compliance with international aviation standards such as those from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Initially planned as routine, the inspection adhered to mandatory protocols: a 24-month check and a 1,600-hour airframe inspection. These are standard for business jets to verify airworthiness, covering structural integrity, systems functionality, and component wear.

Discovered Defects and Repair Challenges

Independent assessments during the process identified severe issues:

• Fuel Tank Defects: Problems in the fuel containment system, which could compromise safety by risking leaks or failures under pressure.
• Turbofan Failure: Critical defects in one of the aircraft’s powerful turbofan engines, essential for propulsion and performance.

These findings necessitated an extension of the maintenance from routine to comprehensive repairs. Technicians performed leak tests, engine ground runs, and acceptance flights to validate fixes. The 8-month duration stemmed from logistical hurdles in procuring OEM-certified spare parts, a common challenge in specialized aviation MRO due to supply chain dependencies on manufacturers like Dassault Aviation.

Bright Simons’ Role in Transparency

Bright Simons, a prominent Ghanaian policy analyst and founder of IMANI Africa, shared these details via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on November 14, 2025. His disclosure emphasized the jet’s safe return after positioning flights, including a stop in Marseille, and highlighted public accountability in government asset management.

Summary

In summary, Ghana’s presidential jet Falcon 900 EX-Easy II completed its 8-month maintenance in France on November 10, 2025, following repairs for fuel tank defects and turbofan failures uncovered during mandatory inspections. Handled by Dassault Falcon Service at Paris Le Bourget, the overhaul addressed safety-critical issues amid parts sourcing delays. The aircraft is now cleared for GAF operations, reducing reliance on commercial charters for official travel.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Aviation Maintenance Best Practices for Governments

For nations managing presidential jets or state aircraft fleets, this case offers actionable insights. Schedule mandatory inspections proactively—24-month and flight-hour checks prevent escalations like Ghana’s 8-month downtime. Partner with certified MRO providers like Dassault Falcon Service for specialized repairs.

Fleet Management Strategies

Diversify fleets to include backup aircraft, minimizing disruptions. Invest in predictive maintenance using data analytics to forecast parts needs, reducing OEM delays. Public advocates like Bright Simons demonstrate the value of transparency; governments should publish maintenance logs to build trust.

For Aviation Professionals

When handling Falcon 900 series jets, prioritize fuel system integrity and engine health. Conduct thorough non-destructive testing (NDT) during C-check equivalents. Stock critical spares regionally to mitigate global supply issues, as seen in this 8-month France maintenance scenario.

Points of Caution

Safety Risks of Deferred Maintenance

Fuel tank defects can lead to hazardous leaks, while turbofan failures risk in-flight power loss. Ignoring mandatory inspections violates EASA and ICAO standards, endangering VIP passengers and crew.

Logistical Pitfalls

Reliance on overseas MRO exposes fleets to parts shortages and currency fluctuations. Ghana’s experience warns against underestimating repair timelines for aging executive jets.

Public Oversight Needs

Without figures like Bright Simons, such details might remain opaque. Citizens should demand accountability to prevent misuse of public funds on aircraft upkeep.

Comparison

Standard vs. Extended Maintenance Timelines

Routine 24-month inspections for Falcon 900 jets typically last 4-6 weeks at facilities like Paris Le Bourget. Ghana’s case extended to 8 months due to defects, contrasting with standard overhauls. For context, similar U.S. Air Force VIP jets undergo equivalent checks in 2-3 months domestically.

Ghana vs. Regional Peers

Nigeria’s presidential air fleet has faced similar MRO delays abroad, often exceeding 6 months for engine work. Kenya’s jets benefit from shorter local maintenance, highlighting infrastructure gaps in West Africa. Ghana’s resolution via Dassault underscores the value of manufacturer-direct services.

Business Jet Industry Benchmarks

Globally, 1,600-hour inspections average 30-45 days without major finds. Defect-driven repairs, like turbofan overhauls, can double times, aligning with Ghana’s presidential jet maintenance experience.

Legal Implications

This maintenance complied with international aviation regulations, including EASA Part-145 for MRO approvals and ICAO Annex 8 airworthiness standards. No legal violations are reported; the mandatory inspections ensured certification before return. Ghana Air Force protocols mandate such overseas services for specialized Dassault work, with public disclosures like Bright Simons’ aiding compliance transparency. Failure to address defects could invoke liability under aviation law, but successful completion mitigates risks.

Conclusion

The safe return of Ghana’s Falcon 900 EX-Easy II after 8 months of maintenance in France marks a victory for aviation safety and operational readiness. Bright Simons’ revelations highlight the interplay of technical precision, supply chain logistics, and public vigilance in managing presidential jets. This event reinforces the need for proactive fleet care, transparent governance, and adherence to global standards. As the GAF resumes full service, it sets a precedent for efficient state aviation in Africa.

FAQ