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EnB Air has signed a purchase agreement for a Bell 505 helicopter to be used for initial attack firefighting operations in South Korea. The aircraft will strengthen our ability to respond quickly to wildfires and other emergencies, particularly in areas that are hard to reach by ground.
Initial attack firefighting involves deploying aircraft as first responders to suppress fires in their early stages before they spread. The Bell 505 is well-suited for this role, offering speed, agility and reliable performance. It is equipped with the Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite and a dual-channel FADEC-controlled engine, helping to reduce pilot workload in time-critical conditions.
Kim Chang-Wong, CEO, EnB Air, says: “The Bell 505's speed, agility and advanced technology make it ideal for initial attack firefighting where every minute counts. We're proud to introduce this proven capability to Korea's firefighting operations.”
This will be our second Bell 505; the first was purchased in 2024, marking the helicopter’s commercial debut in South Korea. The Republic of Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration also chose the Bell 505 as its military trainer in 2022.
More than 500 Bell 505s have been delivered worldwide since certification in 2017. The fleet has accumulated over 100,000 flight hours and is increasingly trusted for public safety and firefighting roles around the globe.