LONDON – Bell Textron Inc. has announced the signing of agreements for the provision of 7 Bell 505 helicopters to European customers. This latest announcement further cements the popularity that the 505 enjoys in the European market.
It is understood that two of the seven new agreements were brokered by JB Investments, the longest standing distributor of light aircraft in Poland.
Management statements
A signing ceremony was held for the 2 JB Investments aircraft prior to the formal announcement in May at a customer event in Prague.
In attendance were Magdalena Karska, board member representing JB Investments, and Duncan Van De Velde, managing director of Bell Europe.
Duncan Van De Velde, managing director, Europe, said:
“The Bell 505 has become a popular aircraft for European operators within the corporate and VIP markets due to its advanced avionics, customizable cabin, and versatility, which make it easy for a weekend getaway or quick business trip.”
“We are proud to see the success of the Bell 505, and we look forward to adding more European customers to the Bell family.”
“We are thrilled to see the growing interest for Bell products among our Polish customers,” said Magdalena Karska, JB Investments.
“Thanks to unique capabilities in its class, we see great potential for the Bell 505 model to be operated not only by corporate but also governmental customers in Poland.”
About the Bell 505
The Bell 505 is a leading helicopter platform which integrates advanced technology suites such as the Garmin G1000H NXi and FADEC.
The five-seat aircraft is comfortable and provides excellent visibility for the pilot and passengers. More than 360 Bell 505s are currently operating worldwide, with 65 of those operating in Europe.
With its high-quality design, cost-competitive engine, manoeuvrability and customization options, the Bell 505 can serve as an ideal vehicle for private and tourism purposes.
It can also be a tailor-made solution for the public missions of organizations looking for enhancement of their transport, surveillance and secure services.
Originally unveiled at the 2013 Paris Airshow in 2013 under the designator of Bell SLS (Short Light Single), the helicopter was formally designated the Bell 505 at HAI Heli-Expo 2014 in Anaheim, California the following year.
Cockpit equipment includes the Garmin G1000H glass avionics suite.
Formal production of the 505 commenced in 2016at the manufacturer’s US hangar facility at Lafayette Regional Airport in Louisiana, Later that year, Bell Helicopter CEO Mitch Snyder announced changes to the production supply chain that saw the relocation of Bell 505 production to the manufacturer’s assembly and distribution centre in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada.
European helicopter market
Whilst the European fixed wing commercial market went through a particularly significant depression period through the global pandemic, the helicopter industry has generally coped well.
Since that time, the European rotary wing sector has rebounded particularly well; buoyed up largely by the demand for Search and Rescue (SAR), Emergency Medical Service (EMS), offshore wind industry, and the high end corporate/VIP sector.
The Bell 505 is highly flexible, but perhaps finds a key place in the latter sector.
[give_form id=”15485″]
