UAE-based Horizon International Flight Academy has taken delivery of the first of 12 Bell 505 helicopters signed for in November at the Dubai Air Show. The 505 was configured for flight training and is equipped with an integrated glass cockpit that enables pilots in training to experience modern controls on a single engine aircraft.

“We are glad to add Bell 505 helicopters to our all-Bell fleet that is comprised of Bell 206s, Bell 407s and Bell 429s,” says CEO Hareb Thani Al Dhaheri. “This new addition will be an essential part of our training operations and will enable us to further expand our training offering.”

Horizon took delivery of the aircraft at Bell's Mirabel facility during a ceremony attended by Hareb Al Dhaheri, CEO Horizon Flight Academy International, ambassador Raqbani, UAE Embassy in Canada, Fahad Harhara Al Yafei, Cluster CEO, and Steeve Lavoie, president of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd.

“Bell is proud to support and celebrate today's delivery with Horizon International Flight Academy,” says Sameer Rehman, Bell MD for Africa and the Middle East. “The Bell 505 will be a great addition to the Horizon fleet and is an ideal aircraft in training helicopter pilots.”

Horizon is the region's largest independent helicopter flight training academy and takes pride in training pilots locally and internationally. It will utilise the Bell 505 helicopters to continue training a new generation of world-class pilots.

“We would like to thank Horizon International Flight Academy for coming to our Mirabel facility and being a supporter of Bell,” adds Lavoie. “We are thrilled to contribute to the training of the next generation of pilots.”

“The Bell 505's unique capabilities and efficient operational cost lend it increasingly well to being an ideal trainer,” explains Hawker Pacific's Ian D'Arcy, VP of regional operations. “There has been a lot of interest in the Bell 505 as a training aircraft due to its capability, affordability, maintainability and safety features.”