Bell Textron has signed purchase agreements for five Bell 505s for private operators across Europe. The orders were placed by customers in Spain, Switzerland, Poland, the United Kingdom and Estonia, signalling continued interest in the platform throughout the region.

“Globally, the Bell 505 has been a widespread success in the corporate market and has made significant strides here in Europe,” says CCO commercial sales Danny Maldonado. “Last year, Bell delivered the 505th Bell 505. We’re thrilled to build on this progress and continue highlighting the platform throughout this key region.”

The Bell 505 leverages a Safran Arrius 2R engine, dual channel FADEC and Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite and a large, customisable cabin to provide an elevated pilot and passenger experience. The aircraft delivers excellent visibility and panoramic views through its glass cockpit, aided by comfortable stadium seating where the rear rows are elevated slightly above the front. The enhanced visibility enables the aircraft to serve as an ideal platform for private flight, pilot training or aerial utility missions.

EASA has certified the Garmin's GFC 600H flight control system on the Bell 505, enabling European customers to leverage autopilot capabilities for this platform. Bell received a supplemental type certificate from the FAA for an auxiliary fuel system in February 2024.