Bell’s Versatile Aircraft Lineup Makes Headway in South American Market

Bell to display three commercial aircraft at one of the longest-running airshows in Latin America, boosting record high aircraft numbers in the Southern Cone

For years, Bell has distinguished itself throughout Latin America as a global leader in the rotorcraft industry across multiple market segments. With the emergence of large-scale natural disasters in region, many customers have turned to Bell to provide them with military fleet upgrades and advanced aircraft to aid during missions that help keep people safe, such as high-altitude mountain search-and-rescue. In turn, Bell has answered the call, time and time again, and has worked to expand its mark across the region.  

At the highly anticipated FIDAE 2024, Bell is poised to showcase the Bell 407GXi, Bell 505, and Bell 429 - three of its premier multi-use aircraft that are actively used across the region. For the first time in Latin America, Bell will display its brand new Designer Series interior on the Bell 429.

During the show, attendees can look forward to engaging conversations with Bell’s multi-mission pilots and aircraft support team on the safety-enhancing capabilities of these vertical lift solutions.

“The demand for Bell aircraft in the region, particularly among military and public safety operators, have seen a significant upswing in recent years. With over 850 operators and nearly 1,400 commercial aircraft in service across Latin America, Bell is committed to not just meeting, but exceeding, our customers’ expectations by supporting their diverse missions,” emphasized John Ramos, managing director, Latin America. “Our presence at FIDAE is a testament to Bell’s unwavering commitment and aftermarket support for our valued customers.”

With the ongoing boost of Bell operators across Latin America, Bell has established a refined aftermarket support network that works around the clock to provide customers with product support services for its versatile aircraft portfolio, such as specialized field maintenance. During the show, the Global Customer Solutions team plans to lead in-person engagements regarding Bell’s regional aftermarket footprint.

Snapshot of aircraft on display during FIDAE 2024

Bell 407GXi

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Photo by Santiago Rivas

The Bell 407GXi delivers impressive performance and fuel efficiency with the ability to cruise at 133 kts (246 km/h). With its Garmin G1000H™ NXi Flight Deck that enhances situational awareness and reduces pilot workload by delivering easy-to-read information at a glance, the Bell 407GXi continues to be an aircraft of choice for search-and-rescue, troop transport, and HEMS missions in region.

The Bell 407 platform holds a well-earned reputation for reliability with more than 1,500 aircraft operating throughout the world with over six million total fleet flight hours.

Bell 505

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With its all-glass Garmin G1000H NXi avionics and moving map display, dual channel FADEC-controlled engine, and customizable cabin suite, the Bell 505 has become one of the fastest growing products amongst Latin American operators as a military training aircraft. As light single helicopters form most of the training helicopters around the world, the Bell 505 continues to be used to prepare future military pilots for complex missions.

In the Southern Cone, there are more Bell 505s in operation than any other area in Latin America.

Bell 429

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As a platform built for rapid response, the Bell 429’s BasixPro intuitive displays, satellite-based guidance system, and wide clamshell doors makes it an aircraft of choice for public safety agencies across the region. This dual-engine aircraft allows users to complete critical public safety missions with ease, such as search-and-rescue operations in hard-to-reach locations.

To find out more about how Bell aircraft advances missions worldwide, please visit the Bell product page or visit the Bell chalet (#A - 5) during FIDAE 2024 from April 9-12, 2024.

Gianna Messina

Commercial Business, The Americas
All Media Contacts

About Bell

Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.

We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.

Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.

About Textron

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products; volatility in interest rates or foreign exchange rates; and risks related to our international business, including establishing and maintaining facilities in locations around the world and relying on joint venture partners, subcontractors, suppliers, representatives, consultants and other business partners in connection with international business, including in emerging market countries.

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