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Air Methods deal for up to to 27 IFR-configured Bell 407GXi helicopters
March 12, 2025 By Helicopters Staff
Team members from Air Methods and Bell Textron celebrate a master agreement deal at Verticon in Dallas. (Photo: Bell Textron) Bell Textron at the Verticon trade show in Dallas that Air Methods signed a Master Purchasing Agreement for up to 27 aircraft, including 15 IFR-configured Bell 407GXis with an option to purchase an additional 12 aircraft in the future. This agreement comes on the heels of Air Methods’ recent signed purchase agreement for a Bell 429.
“Bell is incredibly honoured that Air Methods has chosen Bell aircraft to advance their emergency care operations, building on a 45-year relationship with the operator,” said Lane Evans, North America manager, Bell. “Both the Bell 407GXi and the Bell 429 are powerful, reliable aircraft that offer exceptional mission capabilities to HEMS customers worldwide.”
With 300 bases serving 48 states, Air Methods transports more than 100,000 patients every year, clocking over 150,000 flight hours.
“Air Methods and Bell have worked together for the entirety of Air Methods’ 45 years in operation,” aid Leo Morrissette, EVP of Operations, Air Methods. “The Bell 407 and Bell 429 are core aircraft in our fleet of over 390 aircraft. The Bell 407 demonstrates exceptional performance and reliability and is the largest single engine fleet operated by Air Methods. The Bell 429 gives our clinical team the cabin capacity necessary to provide industry leading specialty care to our patients while also being very reliable.”
At Verticon, Air Methods also announced an agreement for the acquisition of Airbus H140 helicopters, a new model expected to be available in 2028, as well as 10 H125s and 11 H135s, to support its air medical missions.
With the ability to cruise at 133 kts (246 km/h), Bell explains the 407GXi is one of the top platforms for air medical agencies located throughout the world. With single-pilot IFR capability and adjustable cabin space, Bell also notes the 407GXi allows operators to perform in demanding environments while carrying essential medical equipment needed during emergency missions. The dual-engine Bell 429 features BasixPro intuitive displays, satellite-based guidance system, and wide clamshell doors.
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