Bell 429 surpasses 500,000 global fleet hours
Starting off the year at Bell with a milestone, the Bell 429 surpassed 500,000 global fleet hours in HEMS, law enforcement and utility missions
Today, more than 400 Bell 429 aircraft serve an array of customers. The twin-engine platform is relied on by law enforcement agencies and search and rescue organizations, like the Swedish National Police, New York Police Department, Canadian Coast Guard and Air Zermatt’s Swiss Alps rescue team. Its optional clamshell doors fit litters and unwieldy cargo, allowing for easy passenger and cargo loading and unloading.
Recently, the Bell 429 was selected by Kuwait International Aircraft Leasing to boost Kuwait’s Ministry of Health emergency capabilities; entered service as the New South Wales Police Force’s premier law enforcement aircraft; completed its first delivery to Cambodia for corporate travel; and was showcased at European Rotors 2021 as the Bell 429 ESG law enforcement demonstrator, which recently achieved certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
Also in 2021, the Bell 429 was again named the most-favored aircraft in the Business Jet Traveler Survey’s light twin-turbine helicopters category; and the Canadian Coast Guard received delivery of its final Bell 429.
Clara Bullock
Clara Bullock is a writer for ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue. Initially a freelance writer for publications ranging from gardening news to music magazines, she has made the transition to writing about the ins and outs of travel insurance and aeromedicine. In her spare time she reviews books on Instagram and eats pasta.