Bell Helicopter is on track to have its first European service and completions station, in Prague, Czech Republic, offering a full range of services by year-end.
The Textron-owned manufacturer, which is at ILA to promote its new 429 twin, bought avionics installation specialist Aviation Services earlier this year. General manager Gordon Harveson says he wants to create "another Edwards in Europe", referring to Bell's successful factory-owned completions facility in Tennessee.
Prague was chosen as a location because "most of our existing customers are west of there and most of our future customers are east", says Harveson. The Prague facility will compete with third-party suppliers.
Because helicopters are such bespoke products in the public sector, operators buy green aircraft and have them customised to their requirements with cockpits and interiors.
"We realise we're not the only guy in town but we have factory support and we will be going all out to attract Bell operators to use us," says Harveson. "We will be fully integrated by the end of the year. In 2011 we will take off."
Source: Flight Daily News
