Three Switzerland-based companies have signed purchase agreements with Bell.

Helicopter sales and acquisition company Centaurium Aviation will purchase a Bell 429. Founded in 2011, the company became an independent representative for Bell in Switzerland in 2020 and supports helicopter pilots, owners and operators with a wide range of services such as compliance and safety management, financing and sales.

“The Bell 429 has an array of benefits that are designed to be tailored to the individual’s need; whether that be for emergency services, public safety or corporate transportation, the 429 provides the perfect solution,” says CEO and founder Daniel Borer.

The Bell 429 light twin helicopter recently achieved 500,000 global flight hours. It benefits from a large, customisable cabin with seating for up to six, as well as an intuitive avionics system equipped with BasixPro software. The ample cabin space, large doors and ability to accommodate a wide range of additional equipment make it ideal for adaptation to public safety missions.

Helialpin and Heli Academy have also signed purchase agreements for two Bell 505s. The 505 recently surpassed a milestone 100,000 global flight hours since the first customer delivery in 2017. It is equipped with the only dual-channel FADEC engine in its class and is said to be highly cost-competitive, providing more power in hot and high altitude environments and superior fuel efficiency. Combined with Garmin G1000H NXi avionics and adaptable cabin design, the 505 is well suited to private charters, corporate executives, utilities, public safety, pilot training and more.

“The Bell 505, equipped with the latest avionics and glass cockpit, is the ideal combination of universal applicability, suitable performance and low operating costs,” says Heli Academy managing director Max Sartory. “The latest technology and the resulting reduced consumption contribute to the better energy efficiency of the engine.”

Bell managing director, Europe, Duncan Van De Velde adds: “There’s been an increase in demand for Bell products in Switzerland, and we will continue to support our customers in the region. We are excited that Centaurium is adding Bell helicopters to its fleet, and we’re thrilled to be growing our customer network in the region.”