Falcon Services takes two more Bell 412s

By: Ian Sheppard

November 16, 2009
Rotorcraft

Bell Helicopter delivered two Bell 412EP helicopters to Falcon Aviation Services yesterday, taking the Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi-based operator’s 412 fleet to 10, eight of which were delivered this year.

Falcon’s total fleet now numbers five corporate jets and 21 helicopters. The helicopters primarily serve the offshore oil and gas markets, but they also are used for  VIP, corporate charter and tourist flights from dedicated heliports at Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek and the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi. Falcon Aviation also provided commercial heliport facilities for the recent Formula 1 motor-racing Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.

“We have been extremely pleased with the performance of the 412,” said Falcon Aviation CEO Philip Markham. “It is a remarkably reliable helicopter, ideally suited to operations in the region and meshes perfectly with our business requirements.”

The Bell 412 is a development of the Bell 212, and is powered by two PT6T-3D Twin Pac turboshaft engines driving a composite four-blade rotor. According to Bell Helicopter, the 412 “offers the highest dispatch reliability of any twin-engine and is designed with rupture-resistant fuel cells, energy-absorbing crew seats and a resilient fuselage.”

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