Bell Helicopters wins $123 million CCG contract

Bell Helicopter and CCG signing

Bell Helicopters has signed a contract with the public works and government services canada (PWGSC) for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) for seven Bell 412EPI helicopters worth around $123 million.

The aircraft were signed for by the Honourable Denis Lebel, minister of infrastructure, communities and intergovernmental affairs, in a formal signing ceremony at the Bell Helicopter’s assembly centre in Canada.

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Minister Lebel said: “The selection of the Bell 412EPI will help improve the CCG’s support capability to ensure the safety, security and environmental protection services to the fishing industry and all mariners. The CCG operates in some of the harshest flying conditions on the planet, so the performance capabilities of the aircraft are exactly what they need to support their operations.”

The first helicopter is slated to be delivered in June 2016, with one helicopter expected to be delivered every three months. It follows CCG’s order in May 2014 for 15 Bell 429 helicopters and Bell’s delivery of the first Bell 429’s in late March.

Raymond Leduc, president of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, said: “We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Canadian Coast Guard, and have been proud to support the Bell 206 and Bell 212 aircraft in their current fleet. The Bell 412EPI will continue to not only support their current efforts, but provide them with the expanded capabilities, safety and flexibility to serve the people of Canada.”

The CCG will use the Bell 412EPI helicopters to support non-military activities of government departments and agencies. The aircraft will operate in all areas of Canada, including both coastal regions, inland waters such as the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, and Canada’s expansive Arctic areas.

“When operating in locations with extreme environments, the Bell 412EPI is the workhorse that will support these missions with superior performance,” added Leduc.

The Bell 412EPI was first introduced in March 2013, an improved version of the Bell 412EP.