There is a hint in the press release that suggests that even they may not be expecting a smooth ride over this latest weight growth.
They are in receipt of Transport Canada approval for a 500 lbs. weight increase to 7,500 lbs [3,400kg] in order to meet calls from customers and potential customers to overcome the high empty weight of the model and this is an answer to those requests.
The release points out that the additional gross weight now permits operators to equip the Bell 429 with additional options including Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System (HTAWS), a radar altimeter, cockpit voice/flight data recorder and strobe lights........ although it does [or can] translate to greater range and loiter times.
"With Transport Canada’s approval now in hand, Bell Helicopter will formally petition the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for concurrence with Transport Canada on a 500 lbs. exemption to Part 27 with respect to the 7,000 lbs. maximum gross weight limit."
The new weight limit blows a major hole in the ceiling of the provisions of JAR27 and at 3400kg places the airframe in JAR29 territory. The Bell 429 then is more an alternative to the EC145 rather than the 3000kg AW109/MD902 and EC135 market sector it was launched into.
Will EASA be kind?