Bell Helicopter's 407GXi has been validated by the FAA after receiving certification from Transport Canada earlier this year.

Bell first introduced the latest enhancements to the popular Bell 407 platform, which features improved pilot awareness, higher precision navigation, enhanced engine controls and improved connectivity back in February.

Chile-based customer and Bell independent sales representative Eagle Copters has already taken delivery of the first 407GXi, which will be used for corporate transportation.

“This is an important milestone for the programme and Bell is proud to announce the first delivery since the introduction of the Bell 407GXI earlier this year,” says executive vice president, commercial business Susan Griffin. “Our customers continue to compliment the aircraft's performance and the enhanced all-glass digital cockpit.”

The Bell 407GXi is outfitted with the Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/four dual channel FADEC turbine engine which the OEM says delivers exceptional hot and high performance, fuel efficiency and the ability to cruise at 133 kts/246 km/h. Garmin's G1000H NXi Integrated Flight Deck, complete with high-definition displays and faster processors, offers increased brightness and clarity, faster startup and map rendering as well as connectivity to tablets and smartphones. Additional options include the Garmin FlightStream 510 that allows pilots to upload flight plans from smart devices, Garmin SurfaceWatch for runway identification and alerting technology, a 3,100 lb cargo hook and Health Usage Monitoring for aircraft system diagnostics.