Bell Helicopter Textron has sold some 50 Model 407 light single-turbine helicopters in Latin America. Of more than 160 firm orders received for the new aircraft, 40 are from customers in Brazil, the company says - with at least ten of those coming from first-time customers.
The US manufacturer says that Brazil's booming economy has boosted the civil-helicopter market, with the 407's cabin, larger than that of the present Bell 206, proving popular with corporate operators. The company expects 1996 sales in the region to total $100 million, up by 20% on 1995.
There is a large market among customers wanting to move up from the five-place 206 to the seven-place 407, and a good market for used 206s traded in and resold to first-time customers, Bell says.
Bell plans a Latin American demonstration tour with the 407 and new Model 430 intermediate twin-turbine helicopter. Both aircraft were exhibited for the first time in the region at the show. The company believes that there is an emergency-medical-service operations in the region, as well as in corporate and offshore use.
Source: Flight International
