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July 16, 2009
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Customer Dan Keough of Mercy One at the presentation ceremony accepts the first 429 helicopter.
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Having been certified by American and Canadian authorities just a week earlier, the Bell 429 was officially presented to its first customer during a ceremony July 7 at Bell Helicopter’s facility in Mirabel, Québec, Canada.
Dick Millman, president and CEO of Bell, handed the keys for the first production 429 to Mercy One, an emergency medical services (EMS) company that will operate the aircraft on behalf of the actual owner, long-time Bell customer Air Methods.
Millman commented on the fact that this first production aircraft will be used in a medical services role: “This is a role the 429 is especially designed and equipped to perform. I am confident that it will perform superbly and save countless lives.
“This is an outstanding helicopter and one that is really resonating with our customers,” Millman said. “I am extremely proud of the Bell team for the work they have done to create the 429 and I believe this is just the start of many great things we will see coming out of Bell Helicopter in the years to come.”
Textron President and COO Scott Donnelly also attended the presentation ceremony along with government officials from Canada and the province of Québec and many Bell employees.
The twin engine 429 is Bell’s most anticipated new helicopter since the 407 was rolled out in 1996.
The Bell 429 was developed jointly at Bell’s commercial aircraft design and manufacturing facility in Mirabel and its headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. With 30 percent greater cabin volume than any other competitor in its class, Bell is confident that the 429 will be well received by the market.
“The 429 is the kind of product that will energize the marketplace,” said Bob Fitzpatrick, senior vice president of Business Development and Commercial Programs. “Its design makes it adaptable for different market segments. Powered by two Pratt-Whitney PW207D1 engines, the 429 has a phenomenally smooth ride and a power to weight ratio greater than 20 percent – better than any helicopter in its class.”
During development, Bell went the extra distance to make sure the 429 reflected customer needs. The company created customer advisory boards and consulted them throughout design and manufacturing to gather input on what they want in a light twin engine helicopter. The result is a helicopter that meets or exceeds every critical design element identified by the customer boards.
“We are delivering an aircraft that is absolutely on target for our customers,” said Neil Marshall, Bell’s 429 program director. “We felt it was critical to deliver on our promise and I’m proud to say we didn’t compromise.”
Building on its reputation as a premier provider of customer support and service, Bell has already developed pilot and maintenance training courses for the 429 to ensure its smooth introduction.
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