Switzerland-based helicopter rescue company Air Zermatt has taken delivery of its third Bell 429.

“Bell continues to advance our mission by supplying highly reliable and versatile aircraft for our fleet. The addition of a third Bell 429 will allow us to greatly extend our reach in providing search and rescue support to the Swiss Valais community,” says acting CEO Gerold Biner.

With its 75 medical personnel and flight crew, Air Zermatt provides transport, tourist flights and rescue operations in the Swiss Alps and surrounding communities. Each year, it carries out around 2,000 rescue missions, the majority of which are with the Bell 429.

“Air Zermatt’s acquisition of a third Bell 429 not only highlights its devotion to providing life-saving search and rescue missions in a particularly demanding environment in the Swiss Alps, but also its trust in Bell in getting it through the missions quickly and safely,” says Jacinto Jose Monge, Europe managing director, Bell. “We are thrilled to continue our relationship as it expands its capabilities in the region.”

Air Zermatt has also opted to add its entire Bell 429 fleet to Bell’s Customer Advantage Plan (CAP) that protects direct maintenance costs and aircraft value over time, keeping aircraft in service longer.

“With the challenging environment that we operate in, CAP has proven to be a vital tool in ensuring the longevity of our fleet, and also provides us with one-on-one technical support at a moment’s notice,” adds Biner.