Kitz-Air GmbH has become the first European commercial customer for the Subaru Bell 412EPX. Signed during Aero Friedrichshafen, the agreement sees the Austrian operator expand its fleet with the latest Bell 412 variant. The helicopter will support Kitz-Air's missions in aerial work, forestry operations and passenger transport.

The EPX has been selected for its load capacity and high-altitude performance. “Our missions are very demanding: whether lifting more than 2,000kg of external sling load on high altitude construction projects in the mountains or executing critical fire-fighting missions, the Subaru Bell 412EPX has the right performance to fulfil all of our missions,” says Kitz-Air GmbH accountable manager Christoph Klein.

Bell’s Robin Wendling welcomed the deal, noting that the type has previously been ordered in Europe by the Croatian and Sarajevo Canton Ministries of Interior. The EPX carries up to 13 passengers, offers a maximum gross weight of 5,897kg and a 2,268kg cargo hook load.