The Ministry of Health in Kuwait is to operate the first two Bell 429s configured for HEMS in the Middle East. The purchase agreement for the aircraft was announced at the end of last year.

The Ministry will be contracting the EMS Bell 429 through Al-Safwa Security and Defense Systems Company, with an expected delivery time of April 2015. It currently operates two Bell 430s to carry out its emergency medical services requirements.

“We chose the Bell 429 because it is the best platform for HEMS operations in the Middle East, offering a large cabin with a fully flat floor providing the ability to quickly change the cabin configuration,” says Ali Al-Fodari, md of Al-Safwa. “As a pilot and as a person who wants to operate only the best equipment for the job, I am excited to upgrade our fleet with the highly advanced capabilities of the Bell 429.”