Billings Flying Service to get 6 Netherlands CH-47D
 

BILLINGS, MONTANA (March 10, 2023): Billings Flying Service (BFS) is in final negotiations to purchase six Netherlands Defense Ministry surplus Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters. The sale was approved by the Netherlands’ Defense Material Sales committee at the end of 2022.

“We are excited for the opportunity to increase our CH-47D fleet as we position ourselves for global expansion” said a BFS spokesperson. “We anticipate the contract will be executed within the next 30-days.”

Once the contract is signed the aircraft will be transported to Billings, Montana, to undergo an in-house reset and modification program to support the company’s heavy lift, aerial firefighting, and utility/infrastructure operations. Expected entry into service is late 2023 through 2024.

About Billings Flying Service

Celebrating 40 years in 2023, Billings Flying Service (BFS) is a heavy lift helicopter solutions provider specializing the in CH-47 Chinook operations in aerial firefighting, utility, and construction. BFS owns and operates a FAA 145, AS9110, and Boeing-certified maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the CH-47 Chinook, and an authorized Honeywell CH-46, 234, CH-47D and CH-47D+ Flight Control Systems (FCS) Repair Station, both of which support the BFS Chinook fleet, commercial CH-47 customers, the United States military, and foreign militaries. For more information please visit billingsflyingservice.com

Are these the ex-Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF) machines that went to the Netherlands after refurbishment by Boeing?

Could be, although half were ex-RCAF and half were new from the factory

Initially, the easiest way to pick between the ex RCAF and New build machines was the ex Canadian ones were hoist equipped, not sure if the new build D's were later modified.