LONDON – Bell Textron Inc. has announced a signed purchase agreement for a Bell 429 to Air Zermatt. This becomes the third Bell HEMS-configured aircraft to operate in the Swiss transportation and rescue company’s active fleet.
“Air Zermatt operates in one of the most demanding environments in the world to perform search and rescue missions,” said Patrick Moulay, senior vice president, International Commercial Business, Bell.
“Their acquisition of a third Bell 429 for their HEMS missions is a true testament to their trust in Bell and its aircraft.”
Air Zermatt has continually evolved through its more than 50-year history. The Swiss operation has grown its rescue operations division from one aircraft to a fleet of eleven helicopters.
Transport and tourist flights as well as rescue operations from the simple to the extreme can be carried out with this fleet.
About Air Zermatt
“Bell has always supported our operations with excellent aircraft and support. The Bell 429 is in class of its own, and continues to offer reliable, superior performance for our search and rescue missions,” said Gerold Biner, CEO, Air Zermatt.
“We look forward to adding another HEMS-configured Bell 429 to our fleet and increasing our search and rescue support to the community in the Swiss Valais.”
Air Zermatt AG is a Swiss airline and flight school based in Zermatt. The company has an office at the Aéroport de Sion in the canton of Valais and bases in Gampel, Raron and Zermatt. It employs approximately 65 people.
The helicopter company provides transport and rescue services for the Zermatt-Matterhorn destination. It also offers all kinds of adventures for visitors – such as sightseeing flights around the Matterhorn.
Air Zermatt was founded in 1965. Its fleet includes ultra-modern helicopters, individually equipped according to use. Modern mountain rescue owes its existence to Air Zermatt. Equipment and techniques such as longline (rescues from cliff faces) and tripod (rescues from glacier crevasses) were developed and refined here.
About the Bell 429
The Bell 429 is the most successful Bell model in Europe in the corporate, HEMS and law enforcement segments with more than 400 aircraft operating worldwide.
With the optimal design for passenger mobility and healthcare emergency services, the Bell 429 has the most cabin space in the light twin helicopter market, with flat flooring and seven passenger seating.
Combined with smooth flight characteristics and high reliability, the cabin can also comfortably fit two litter carriers, another significant benefit for HEMS operations.
Air Zermatt utilizes the Customer Advantage Plan Premier program for simple and straightforward maintenance cost plans.
The plan provides customers with budget certainty, access to Bell’s rotable pool of parts and competitive rates when using a Bell authorized service center, which are available worldwide.
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