Air Zermatt In Switzerland Is The Aircraft's First Operator

The first Bell 429 configured for emergency medical services (EMS) in Europe has been delivered to Air Zermatt in Switzerland. Air Zermatt is a major EMS operator in Europe, regularly performing rescues in the extreme conditions of the Alps. Air Zermatt's selection of the Bell 429 was driven by their requirements for a reliable, fast and maneuverable helicopter capable of performing emergency missions at altitudes as high as 15,000 feet. A flight demonstration on the top of Matterhorn Mountain (14,690 ft.), one of the highest peaks in the Alps, proved the Bell 429 could successfully complete those missions.

"Air Zermatt's selection represents the culmination of efforts from a dedicated team at Air Zermatt and Bell Helicopter," said Danny Maldonado, executive vice president of Sales and Marketing at Bell Helicopter. "This is a significant milestone for the 429 and for Bell Helicopter. It reflects our commitment to the European market and our dedication to providing the right products for our customers."
 
"The European helicopter industry has expressed tremendous interest in the 429. Our touring EMS configured 429 demonstrator ship continues to receive positive feedback from air medical operators," said Patrick Moulay, managing director, Commercial Business for Bell Helicopter in Europe.
 
"The delivery to Air Zermatt demonstrates the breakthrough of the Bell 429 into the European market. This is a very important endorsement for Bell Helicopter and we are honored that Air Zermatt has placed its trust in us," Moulay added.
 
Bell conducted extensive flight demonstrations of the 429 on every continent, except Antarctica, and the aircraft has been certified in more than 40 countries. It can be configured for VIP transport, HEMS, law enforcement, utility and oil & gas missions.

(Bell 429 image from file)

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com