Companies Order Combined 27 Helicopters

The 2007 National Business Aviation Association Conference is still a week away... but that doesn't mean the business aviation world is holding its breath for the next seven days. Bell Helicopter tells ANN it recently signed large orders with two emergency medical service providers for the company's 407 and 206L-4 aircraft.

Bell announced Monday that Med-Trans Corporation has signed an agreement for the sale of 11 Bell 407s, in support of the Med-Trans Emergency Medical Service mission. The aircraft will be delivered between 2009 and 2011.

"This is a great day for Bell, our customer and most of all for the many people that these aircraft will help over the years," said Bob Fitzpatrick, Sr. Vice President for Bell Business Development. "Providing aircraft to EMS operators is one of most rewarding parts of my job. And these particular models have proven their reliability and mission capability for many years."

"This is a very exciting time for Med-Trans Corporation. Our company continues our focus of being a leading provider of Aero Medical Services throughout the country. The purchase of these Bell 407s assures that we can continue to expand and support our growth efforts as well as to meet our customers' expectations," stated Fed Buttrell, President and CEO of Med-Trans Corporation.

Bell says its 407 is particularly suited for the EMS mission, sporting quick and easy patient loading and unloading provided by a standard bi-fold door with a 61-inch opening. The 407 also provides a smooth ride, due to an all-composite, four-bladed rotor system, controlled by a full FADEC system.

Also on Monday, Bell announced the sale of 16 206L-4 LongRangers to Air Evac Services Inc. The aircraft will join the Air Evac's fleet with deliveries beginning in 2009 through 2011.

"We are extremely pleased to provide these aircraft to Air Evac EMS," Fitzpatrick said. "The reliability and versatility the 206L-4 provides EMS operators gives them the extra edge that can mean the difference between success and failure of their important mission. This is the beginning of a relationship we hope to see grow and last many years."

Air Evac Lifeteam Vice President of Aviation James Loftin said, "This order of 16 aircraft reinforces Air Evac Lifeteam's commitment to Bell Helicopter, as well as the patients and communities we serve. The purchase will provide us with an availability of aircraft to support our future growth plans and our lifesaving mission in rural America. We are very pleased to continue our working partnership with Bell Helicopters."

The 206L-4 evolved from the storied 206B-3. The helo sports a spacious cabin, which allows two patients and two medical attendants along with space for all necessary medical equipment.

Quick and easy patient loading and unloading is provided by a standard bi-fold door, similar to that employed on the 407. Superb visibility for difficult scene landings and more safety margin are provided by large cabin windows for medical attendants and wrap-around windows for pilots.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com, www.med-trans.net, www.airevac.com