Mercy Flight has acquired a Bell 429 helicopter courtesy of Rotortrade, a global pre-owned helicopter dealership. The aircraft will be supporting the operator's EMS operation in the US.

The 2013 aircraft was previously operated in Montana for private transportation missions, primarily serving high-net-worth individuals between Bozeman airport and the Yellowstone Club area.

The helicopter has now been acquired by Mercy Flight, an independent, nonprofit US-based EMS operator, and will undergo a full EMS retrofit at Summit Helicopters in Virginia before entering service in the Buffalo, New York region. Entry into operations is expected following an approximately six-month completion programme.

As part of the transaction process, representatives from Rotortrade and Mercy Flight jointly conducted a pre-purchase inspection in Bozeman, Montana, confirming the aircraft's overall condition prior to transfer. Rotortrade subsequently ferried the helicopter to its FAA Part 145-certified MRO facility in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where the aircraft underwent inspection and technical preparation ahead of delivery.

The transaction highlights Rotortrade's integrated approach combining helicopter sales, technical support and operational coordination within a single platform. By leveraging its in-house MRO capabilities and logistical expertise, Rotortrade ensured a smooth transition from VIP transport configuration towards its future EMS mission.

Scott Wooton, executive vice president at Mercy Flight, comments: “We appreciated Rotortrade's proactive approach and transparency throughout the process. The Bell 429 was presented in very good condition, and Rotortrade's ability to manage the logistics and support the transition towards EMS configuration gave us confidence that the project would move forward smoothly and on schedule. We're thrilled to be able to add another critical lifesaving asset to the communities we serve via Rotortrade's sales network.”

Paul Desagneaux, sales manager at Rotortrade, adds: “This transaction highlights the value of having both sales and MRO capabilities integrated within the same organisation, allowing us to manage the aircraft efficiently and keep the project moving without delay. We acquired and held the aircraft for a period of time while Mercy Flight finalised its financing, bridging the gap between purchase and resale timelines. This turnkey capability underscores our unique position in the industry, allowing us to best support our clients within their acquisition parameters.”

This transaction further reinforces Rotortrade's growing activity within the EMS sector, a market segment that continues to see strong demand for immediately available, mission-ready twin-engine helicopters across North America.