Bell Helicopter has made deliveries of its 429 aircraft to the African continent for the first time. The Nigeria Police Air Wing has received one which will be used for general law enforcement and surveillance, while another delivered to the Nigeria Emergency Management Agency will provide disaster relief and fly humanitarian support missions.

"Our Nigerian customers are thrilled to be the first Bell 429 operators in Africa. The Bell 429 is the most technologically advanced and capable light twin helicopter in the marketplace and will serve them well for many years to come," says Robert Prentice, vp for aircraft sales at Africair Inc, Bell Helicopter independent representative in Africa. "They are particularly impressed with Bell Helicopter's reputation for exceptional product support."

NPAW is a long-standing Bell Helicopter customer, having operated several models including the 47, 206, 427 and 412. Both organisations formally accepted their aircraft at Piney Flats, Tennessee, at Bell Helicopter's customising facility.

A large cabin and state-of- the-art avionics are said to have been instrumental in the agencies' choice of aircraft, coupled with a smooth and fast ride, and Bell Helicopter's EASA-approved main-tenance programme will offer an attractive level of post-delivery support and service.