Bell has secured a launch customer for its instrument flight rules (IFR) version of the 427 light twin-turbine helicopter, which it will develop jointly with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Mitsui of Japan.
Air Methods, a medical transport specialist, is to acquire 15 427i helicopters in a deal that will see three aircraft delivered each year, beginning in late 2007.
The announcement is a fillip to Bell, which firmed up the partnership with KAI and Mitsui last month at a signing ceremony in Hawaii. A final contract between the partners should be completed within two months.
Bell CEO Mike Redenbaugh says: "We are both pleased and excited about this sale to Air Methods. The 427i is an aircraft that will have tremendous performance capability. To have it operated by the largest provider of air medical transport services for hospitals in the business is a testimony to the acceptance the 427i has already received in the marketplace."
The agreement gives Air Methods a trade-in option for up to 15 of its 22 Bell 22 twin-engine aircraft.
Aaron Todd, CEO of Air Methods, says the trade-in option was important: "We are pleased to be designated as the launch customer for the 427i. Our purchase agreement ensures full recovery of residual values for a majority of our Bell 222 fleet, while providing a cost efficient solution for their ultimate replacement over the next several years.
"We believe that the 427i will offer an attractive option for our current Bell 222 customers who require cost-effective two-patient, cabin-class capability."
The partners will assemble all aircraft in Canada, with KAI's main workshare consisting of the fuselage, which will be a stretched variant of the VFR version of the 427.
Source: Flight Daily News
