Milestone Comes Just Over Three Years into the Safran Engines Partnership

Bell Textron has logged a new sustainability landmark, announcing that its dedicated Bell 505 helicopter has surpassed 700 flight hours using blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The milestone, revealed at European Rotors 2025 in Cologne, comes just three years after Bell and Safran Helicopter Engines partnered to study how SAF affects performance and operating economics.

“Bell is proud to celebrate this next step in industry carbon reduction objectives,” said Robin Wendling, Bell’s Managing Director of Europe. “Working alongside Safran Helicopter Engines has given us the cutting-edge advantage of exploring opportunities in greener aviation practices.”

Bell launched its SAF collaboration with Safran in March 2022, focusing on the Arrius 2R engine powering the 505. Less than a year later, the aircraft became the first single-engine helicopter to fly using 100% SAF during a demonstration flight. Since July 2022, the company’s training academy fleet has accumulated over 700 SAF-powered hours on a single 505.

Inspections continue to come back promising: there have been no apparent adverse impacts on engine or aircraft systems. This affirms Safran’s timelines to introduce drop-in use rather than blends in the near future.

“SAF is key towards more sustainable helicopter use,” added Jean-Francois Sauer, Safran’s EVP of Programs. “Very soon, our engines will be capable of 100% drop-in SAF, paving the way for wider use of this type of fuel for increased sustainability of helicopter operations.”

Bell’s 505 platform is already marketed as one of the most technologically advanced light helicopters in its class. Its combination of a dual-channel FADEC-equipped Arrius 2R engine, a Garmin G1000H NXi all-glass flight deck, and a wide visibility cabin makes it a common choice for public safety, utility work, and military training. Adding reliable SAF performance to its resume only strengthens the aircraft’s appeal as organizations seek lower-carbon solutions.

Bell frames the ongoing 505 test program as a cornerstone of Textron’s Achieve 2025 initiative, which targets a 20% reduction in enterprise greenhouse gas emissions. More SAF projects are expected as testing expands and engine certifications progress.

FMI: www.bellflight.com