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.