Bell Helicopter Delivers First Bell 429 EMS in Europe

Fort Worth, Texas – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announces the delivery of the first Bell 429 configured for emergency medical services (EMS) in Europe to Air Zermatt in Switzerland. Air Zermatt, in need of a rugged and reliable aircraft for rescue missions, selected the Bell 429 for its ability to operate at high altitudes and in extreme conditions.

"Air Zermatt’s selection represents the culmination of efforts from a dedicated team at Air Zermatt and Bell Helicopter," says Danny Maldonado, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Bell Helicopter. "This is a significant milestone for the 429 and for Bell Helicopter. It reflects our commitment to the European market and our dedication to providing the right products for our customers."

Air Zermatt is a major EMS operator in Europe, regularly performing rescues in the extreme conditions of the Alps. Air Zermatt’s selection of the Bell 429 was driven by their requirements for a reliable, fast and maneuverable helicopter capable of performing emergency missions at altitudes as high as 15,000 feet. A flight demonstration on the top of Matterhorn Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Alps, proved the Bell 429 could successfully complete the mission like no other twin-engine helicopter.

“The European helicopter industry has expressed tremendous interest in the 429. Our touring EMS configured 429 demonstrator ship continues to receive positive feedback from air medical operators,” says Patrick Moulay, managing director of commercial business for Bell Helicopter in Europe. “The delivery to Air Zermatt demonstrates the breakthrough of the Bell 429 into the European market. This is a very important endorsement for Bell Helicopter and we are honored that Air Zermatt has placed its trust in us."

For more information, visit www.bellhelicopter.com.