Nautilus Aviation's Bell 407GXi fleet has now accumulated more than 6,300 successful flight hours, doubling its tally in a space of less than 12 months.

In June last year, the Australian operator's five Bell 407GXis hit 3,000 successful flight hours, supporting a variety of missions in Northern Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef region, encompassing the parapublic and tourism segments. The aircraft were also quickly deployed to assist with disaster relief efforts during the historic flooding of Northwestern Queensland in March 2023. For nearly a month, the Nautilus team operated their Bell 407GXis tirelessly and effectively to conduct resupply missions, evacuations, long-line and cargo operations, and transport key government, emergency and infrastructure personnel.

Equipped with cargo hooks, emergency flotation systems and tail-mounted cameras to aid these relief operations, these aircraft have been called upon to perform search and rescue work in the Northern Territory as well. The Bell 407GXi fleet has undoubtedly become an integral part of Nautilus Aviation's commercial helicopter business and emergency response operations.

As Northern Australia's largest operator, with 30 years of flying experience, Nautilus Aviation also owns and operates other Bell models, including the Bell 206, Bell 206L, Bell 505 and Bell 412EP.

Nautilus Aviation also boasts a high readiness rate, essential for commercial operations and emergency response. Its well-maintained fleet ensures high operational availability for real-time deployment. Regular testing and quality control keep all equipment ready for any situation. The company's flexibility allows easy relocation of aircraft and pilots to meet client needs. Supported by experienced pilots, flight operations personnel, in-house maintenance and logistical support, Nautilus Aviation continues to offer safe and reliable helicopter services.

Challenging environments thoroughly test helicopter operators like Nautilus and the very limits of an aircraft. But, for decades, Bell has been known to step up to the plate with platforms that can meet and exceed varying mission requirements in any environment, thanks to a broad array of advanced features and kits that help to increase situational awareness and mitigate risks. For instance, the Garmin G1000H NXi integrated flight deck in the Bell 407GXi enhances mapping capabilities, improving landmark identification accuracy. This allows flight teams to navigate with ease and expedite emergency responses, and ensures a swift reaction to critical situations. The increased cabin volume of the Bell 407GXi, facilitated by an innovative window design, also allows for more efficient utilisation of space and capacity.