This website uses cookies
More information
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

ACE 2026 - September 8th

Related information from the Handbook...

Bell, a Textron Company
Aircraft

Centaurium Aviation
Aircraft

Mountain Flyers 80
Training

Mountain Flyers 80
Charter

Bell 505 Jet Ranger X

BAN's World Gazetteer

Texas
Switzerland
The bimonthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Request your printed copy

Mountainflyers to use Bells for training and photography
The Bell 505 includes a high-tech flight deck and adaptable cabin, making it competitive and versatile for a variety of missions. Two are going to Mountainflyers, while one will be a demonstrator for sales rep Centaurium.
Bell MD for Europe and Russia Duncan Van De Velde (left) and Centaurium CEO Daniel Borer (centre) are very pleased to be working together.

Mountainflyers is to operate two Bell 505 aircraft under Bell's Customer Advantage support plan. The OEM has appointed Centaurium Aviation as an independent representative for Switzerland, and Centaurium has agreed to purchase three Bell 505s, of which two will fly for Mountainflyers for mountain pilot training and aerial photography. The other Bell 505 will be operated by Centaurium as a demonstrator for the Swiss market.

“We are excited to begin this journey with Bell. With Bell's high-performing and reliable aircraft, we see great potential for our Swiss customers,” says Daniel Borer, CEO, Centaurium Aviation.

“We are delighted to have Centaurium Aviation as a Bell IR for Switzerland. We thank Centaurium for being a loyal Bell customer,” adds Duncan Van De Velde, Bell MD for Europe and Russia. “Bell is proud to work with Centaurium and support its operations now and in the future.”

Centaurium Aviation, an aircraft sale and acquisition company based in Switzerland, will be an important addition to Bell's independent representative family, enabling Bell to best serve its customers around the world. Two of the aircraft are planned to be delivered in April, and the demonstrator aircraft delivery is scheduled for February at the Bell Mirabel facility.

The Bell 505 includes a high-tech flight deck and adaptable cabin design, making it extremely cost-competitive and versatile for a variety of missions. The aircraft is a perfect solution for training, allowing first-time pilots to learn to fly with confidence. With the glass cockpit and new avionics, the Bell 505 provides an upgraded platform.

Other News
 
Bell Training Academy passes 240,000 flight hours
July 26, 2026
More than 140,000 pilots have trained with Bell worldwide, with 2,600 flight hours logged by instructors in BTA-owned aircraft last year.
Private operator becomes 700th Bell 505 recipient
July 26, 2026
The handover took place at Farnborough International Airshow 2026, affirming steady demand for the light single-engine helicopter from corporate and VIP operators.
Texas A&M Forest Service orders two Subaru Bells
July 26, 2026
Each helicopter will be fitted with a hoist for rescue work and a belly tank for firefighting, extending the agency's wildfire response capability across Texas.