First Bell 429 EMS in the UK

[Harry O]

Looks a nice aircraft.
Bell signs agreement for first UK EMS 429 | Helihub - the Helicopter Industry Data Source (http://helihub.com/2013/09/23/bell-signs-agreement-for-first-uk-ems-429/)

Well done Bell :ok:

[Gordy]

Misleading title...... Here in the US it is old news:

Idaho-based EMS operator expecting two Bell 429s, (2011) (http://helihub.com/2011/05/30/idaho-based-ems-operator-expecting-two-bell-429s/)

http://i2.wp.com/www.idahohelicopters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/hems-3.jpg?fit=1160%2C9999

[Ian Corrigible]

...also misleading, the 429 having actually entered operational service with Mercy One in Des Moines on March 29th 2010 (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/190640-bell-429-a-7.html#post5619674)... :)

I/C

[PhlyingGuy]

... this is for the first 429 for UK HEMS. :)

Pretty sure that's Gary Slater's group... Heli-Charter.

[Harry O]

IN THE UK :ok:

[Hedski]

Big fanfare but unless an air ambulance charity or operator has signed up to use said aircraft then it won't be having much involvement in hems operations. :hmm:

[helihub]

Is there any overlap between this announcement and the one Bell put out about Avincis Group ordering 412s and 429s? Perhaps this UK EMS 429 is for Bond?

[stilllearning]

I've got my google alerts set up and didn't get any about Avincis announcement on 429's :uhoh: could you show the link to that news ????
thanks in advance:ok:

[Savoia]

SL: Try this (http://www.avincisgroup.com/news/bell-helicopter-wins-contract-for-up-to-20-aircraft-at-helitech-international.aspx) one for now.

[stilllearning]

Thanks a lot .... it also seems that 3 new 225's are bought .... well, i suppose that's good news for everyone in the industry ....
Fly safe

[PANews]

So far there is nothing circulating in the hall to suggest that either the AA configured or the Bond/Inaer 429s are for a specific customer operator.

[Brilliant Stuff]

I was told by Bond when the 429 did its PR trip round the UK 2 years ago that they wouldn't consider the 429 due to it's exposed tail rotor but maybe the new owner has different ideas....

[misterbonkers]

Or maybe they are just playing a clever game to make sure they get the best possible price on the airframes they want?

They could then sell the Bell429 on afterwards and even if they make a (tax deductible) loss on the sale they will still have saved a few quid on the shiny new EC135s (or whatever type they choose).

Bond, I understand, were however heavily involved in the National Grids approval for live-lining. Perhaps the aircraft impressed them.

[jayteeto]

Flat out fuel burn was rumoured to be high, may be improved?

[stilllearning]

Inaer/Bond/Avincis is Bell representative in Spain and Portugal ... that might be a consideration ....:suspect:

[JWRH]

Just a thought this aircraft won't be delivered until late next year and as of yet no air ambulance/ commercial operator has signed for it! Russian bell dealer has placed an order for three 429's!!

[longbox]

Hi Guys there is no smoke and mirrors, Helicharter as part of its UK dealership with Bell have ordered a 429 in HEMS configuration to show our continued faith in the 429, who the end user will be will be released in time. The 429 will be here in June and I will keep you all posted as to progress. This is all part of the future plans with the new facility in Turweston and the new showroom at Manston which has resulted in our appointment as a Bell CSF.

[PoloJamie]

Interesting, but we'll see what happens - maybe Bond's parent company have plans for them elsewhere. There's no publicly available info to suggest any Bond operated AA configured EC135s are going to be replaced with 429s