Bell Helicopter pledged further performance upgrades as it celebrated last month's 40th anniversary of the 206 helicopter series. Bob Fitzpatrick, senior vp, marketing and sales, says more than 4,800 206Bs and 1,700 206Ls have been produced since the first two production 206As were delivered to customers on 13 January, 1967.

He adds: "Since then, Bell has delivered five different generations of commercial 206s making the 206 aircraft the most popular turbine helicopter ever built."

Dorith Hakim, 206 programme director says, "We are currently developing the latest upgrade kit for the 206L series helicopter that will improve its performance, boost payload and reduce direct operating costs. I believe this will help sustain the Bell 206 in the marketplace for years to come." The Bell 206 fleet has recorded over 55 million flight hours in more than 60 different countries.