Bell sells Japan’s first Designer Series 429 to JGAS
Bell Textron has signed a purchase agreement for Japan’s first Designer Series Bell 429 helicopter with Japan General Aviation Service (JGAS).
Japan Biz Aviation Co (JBZ), a subsidiary of JGAS, will deploy the Bell 429 on corporate relocation missions and other services in Japan. This will be the second Bell helicopter operated by JBZ. (Parent group JGAS offers aircraft sales and aftermarket support services).
Takuya Masamura, country manager, Bell Japan welcomed the trust JBZ placed in the manufactuer through its purchase of the first Designer Series Bell 429 helicopter. “Working closely with JGAS Group, we are confident that we can demonstrate the strong value Bell and JGAS provide to Japanese customers through an optimised experience for their Bell helicopters,” said Masamura.
Bell’s Designer Series is said to incorporate superior leathers, enhanced upholstery, and hardwood flooring. Complementary metal finishes and leather details integrate refined colour schemes throughout the interior, according to the manufacturer. More than 450 Bell 429s operate globally and have logged over 602,000 flight hours.
Meanwhile, last month Bell revealed the first purchase agreement for its new 525 helicopter. Oil company Equinor is buying 10 Bell 525s for its North Sea operations. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026.