Bell Helicopter began Asian Aerospace with a flourish yesterday by concluding three deals, including an order from Hawker Pacific for six 407 light single helicopters and six 429 light twins for delivery to customers in Australia and New Zealand.
Hawker Pacific is Bell’s agent for Australasia and the aircraft will be deployed across a range of missions, from emergency medical evacuation to utility and corporate work.
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| From left: Tae Shik Oh, Bob Fitzpatrick, Jae Jeum Park and William J. Stromberg |
The deal increases to eight the number of 429s that Bell has sold into Australia and New Zealand. Hawker Pacific acquired its first two 429s last year, the first of which will be delivered to Australian charter operator Gold Coast Helicopters.
Bell also signed a memorandum of agreement with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to begin production of airframes for the 429. The contract will see KAI become sole supplier of all 429 cabins for the next 10 years, with an estimated value of $150 million. Bell and KAI will work towards a more definitive supply agreement over the next few months.
The third agreement was with Bell’s independent representative in India, Jubilant Enpro, which has signed an option for a yet to be specified six light helicopters to meet growing demand in India.
Source: Flight Daily News
