Press Release

Issued by Bell, a Textron Company.

March 12, 2024

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has announced the delivery of a Bell 505 helicopter to Honda Airways in Japan.

Honda Airways, a subsidiary of Honda Motors, was established in 1964 by Souichiro Honda, legendary founder of Honda Motors. Today, Honda Airways offers scenic flights using light aircraft and helicopters, skydiving, corporate charters, flight training and provides helicopter emergency medical services to support disaster relief efforts when requested by local government agencies.

“The Bell 505 continues to see strong interest and demand from our Japanese customers on the back of its good operating performance and reliable track record,” said Takuya Masamura, country manager, Japan, Bell. “We are honoured that Honda Airways, an established helicopter operator in Japan, has taken delivery of its first Bell 505, and we look forward to supporting Honda Airways in the operations of its Bell 505.”

Today, there are 12 Bell 505 helicopters operating across various segments in Japan with Honda Airways utilising its Bell 505 for corporate charters and helicopter flight training.

The Bell 505 programme has collectively achieved more than 100,000 flight hours with more than 500 Bell 505 helicopters delivered to customers globally. In February 2023, the Bell 505 became the world's first single engine helicopter to fly on 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel.