Bell racks up South Pacific helo sales

By Thierry Dubois

Farnborough Air Show >> July 2008
Rotorcraft

Bell Helicopter here on Monday announced an order for 14 helicopters–12 Bell 407s and two Bell 206B3s–from Australia-based sales representative Hawker Pacific. “Strong growth in the Oceania market ranges from aviation logistics support in Papua New Guinea, aerial support of mining in New Caledonia and corporate/private operators in Australia/New Zealand,” Hawker Pacific CEO Alan Smith explained.

Meanwhile, Bell has sold several copies of Skybooks, its electronic maintenance and logbook tool. Recent customers include Gulf Coast Aviation and RVR Air Charter in Texas; Helicopter Express in Atlanta, Georgia; and the Sheriff’s office in Jacksonville, Florida. Another sales success involves the in-development Bell 429 light twin, which has passed the 300-order mark.

Commenting on the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) program, which is based on the Bell 407, Bell executives acknowledged the U.S. Army has issued a program deviation report about costs, but insisted it does not want to terminate the program. Three test aircraft have accrued 1,300 flight hours.   

Back

Duo Smashes Around-the-world Helo Speed Record Tuesday 19. of August 2008 The “Grand Adventure” concluded yesterday morning at New York La Guardia Airport. Helicopter pilots Scott Kasprowicz and Steve Sheik flew a... [more]
Offshore Contract for Norsk Friday 01. of August 2008 Norsk Helikopter has signed a six-year contract with StatoilHydro and ENI Norge for offshore oil platform helicopter transportation from... [more]
Silver State Students Sue Lender Friday 01. of August 2008 Students of the now-defunct training school Silver State Helicopters are suing KeyBank, one of the banks that financed their tuition, charging... [more]
Eurocopter Takes Over Mx Firm Friday 01. of August 2008 Eurocopter has announced it will take over Motorflug Baden-Baden, a German helicopter MRO specialist. The firm has bases in Baden-Baden,... [more]
With an eye to the environment, Eurocopter mulls system changes Friday 01. of August 2008 Eurocopter is stepping up its efforts to make helicopters more environmentally friendly by eliminating hydraulic and engine bleed-air systems,... [more]