Features Commercial EMS
Bell Helicopter closes conference with 32 new sales

At the show, Bell Helicopter announced the sale of a combined total of 32 new aircraft, flew more than 35 potential customers in its 429 demonstration ship and reinforced its commitment to the air medical transport community with a $200,000 donation to the MedEvac Foundation.

"At Bell Helicopter we are on a mission to enable our customers' success. We are committed to listen to them, respond to their needs and find ways to make it easier to do business with us," said John L. Garrison, president and chief executive officer. "The success of this show is testament to Bell's unwavering dedication to offer our customers complete mission solutions – and customers are responding positively to that and are choosing Bell Helicopter."

Earlier this week, Bell announced sales to three of the largest air medical transport service providers in the industry; Air Methods Corporation, Air Medical Group Holdings and Mercy West. The combined total of 32 aircraft were distributed among the three operators with 15 Bell 407s going to Air Methods Corporation, 16 Bell 206L4s for Air Medical Group Holdings and one firm 429 sale to Mercy West with the option for two additional 429s.

"The service provided by the men and women in the helicopter emergency medical services environment is truly a noble mission," said Larry D. Roberts, senior vice president Commercial Business. "We are committed to enabling their success and providing them with safest, most reliable products and services. We are proud that three of the largest medical transport service providers are selecting Bell Helicopter to support their missions. The fact that these customers are choosing Bell Helicopter validates the differentiated products and support that we offer, which enable them to support their missions and improve their business performance."

While at the 2010 annual conference, Bell showcased the capabilities of the 429, the world's most advanced light twin helicopter. Over the three-day conference period more than 35 customers experienced the aircraft's superior speed, performance and spacious cabin firsthand.

Certified as a single-pilot instrument flight rules (SPIFR), Category A helicopter under the latest requirements of Part 27 airworthiness rules, the 429 offers the largest cabin in its class and has raised industry standards in terms of safety, maintainability, and performance.

Bell also demonstrated its commitment to the advancement of the air medical transport market through a donation of $200,000 to the MedEvac Foundation International which will help support the research, education, outreach and other charitable services to enhance patient transport and critical care services.

"We are honored to be a part of this community and are proud of the role our helicopters play in helping provide patients around the world with access to safe, quality air medical and critical care support," said Roberts.