HI Uplift: The busy in tray of Bell Textron’s new European MD

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by Mike Stones

13 January 2025

Microphone in hand, Robin Wendling, Bell Textron’s new European MD is pictured at European Rotors 2024.

Bell Textron’s new European MD Robin Wendling has a full in tray. Topping his short-term to-do list are closing deals and recruiting new sales managers. Longer term, it’s developing one of the company’s key markets and preparing the commercial launch of the new super-medium Bell 525 Relentless.

“The fourth quarter is pretty hectic for us, and we are still taking orders and delivering a lot of aircraft,” says Wendling speaking last month. “But number one on my to-do list is hiring. We have vacancies for two regional sales managers – one to cover Western Europe and the other for the Nordics region. For me, people are the key to success. We have always put people first at Bell.”

Both are regions Wendling knows well. After joining the manufacturer in 2015, he led sales in Western Europe, closing deals for single sales and fleet acquisitions. In the Nordic region, Wendling played a leading role in closing the landmark deal for 10 Bell 525 Relentless helicopters to Norwegian energy giant Equinor.

Next generation

It is a long-awaited aircraft. Launched at Heli-Expo 2012 in Dallas and completing its maiden flight on July 1st, 2015, the new helicopter has suffered long Covid-induced delays. But Bell expects it to play a pivotal role as a leading next-generation super-medium helicopter carving out its place in serving offshore energy markets, search and rescue (SAR) flights and parapublic missions.

Wendling explains the helicopter’s significance in the European market and elsewhere: “The Bell 525 is going to be a turnkey solution for the helicopter industry. We are bringing what the market really likes – alternative choices. And we are here to provide that.

“We really believe the Bell 525 is the right product at the right time,” he says. “It’s bringing new technology, increased capacities and there’s a lot of activity interest from the market. It’s not often that you launch a new aircraft of that size and of that technology.”

How much longer?

So, how much longer will the industry have to wait to see the Bell 525 fully in service? At least, when will it be certified? Wendling smiles. “I don’t want to disappoint you, but I’m not going to give you a clear date. What I can say is we are getting very close know. This is a unique time in the programme.”

The programme is about to launch its last type inspection authorisation flight, he tells us. “This is the one called Function and Reliability – or F&R. And that’s really going to close the test flight campaign we’ve done with the FAA on board,” explains Wendling. .

The manufacturer is also aiming for icing certification. Bell has already conducted a season of testing and has returned to Marquette, Michigan to continue testing.

So, will the Bell 525 be a direct replacement for the ageing Sikorsky S-92 helicopter at the heavy end of the market? Wendling is unequivocal. “Definitely, the Bell 525 will be a superior aircraft for a multitude of mission ranges, everything from near-shore, heavy-load passenger transport to the far ranges that the heavy aircraft service today. Through flight tests, we’ve been really pleased by the performance of the aircraft.”

Fly-by-wire

The figures look good. Incorporating fly-by-wire flight controls, the aircraft is powered by two General Electric CT7-2F1 turboshaft engines. They deliver a maximum speed of 160 knots/184 mph and a range of 644 miles (1,037km). It has the capacity to transport up to 16 passengers or, when fully configured and IOGP-compliant, a useful load of 7,226lbs.

The helicopter is also said to consume 30% less fuel per hour of operation than other heavy class helicopters flying offshore missions in the North Sea. Plus, tests are continuing with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

In addition to offshore search and rescue missions (SAR), Bell expects the aircraft to be deployed on land-based SAR flights, VIP and official missions medevac deployments as well as military applications – particularly in the context of growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Fire-fighting missions

For the manufacturer’s helicopter models already in production, Bell sees strong opportunities in Europe. Particularly for helicopters tasked with parapublic, utility, helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and fire-fighting missions. “There are some, what I like to call, mission critical services which will always be in demand,” he says.

Fleet replacement is a key factor driving helicopter sales. It is an opportunity the manufacturer is unlocking with a focus on its first customers in the region. “We are building on those leading operators who chose Bell early on and we are helping them to grow their fleets. That sends a strong message to the industry,” says Wendling. “We are seeing a lot of legacy fleet replacement opportunities at present.” Replacement activity is particularly strong for Bell 412 and Bell 212 models.

Recently the manufacturer agreed the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in the region. Plus, it celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Bell Amsterdam Support Centre.

Supply chain

But supply chain constraints continue to affect all helicopter industry players, he concedes. “The supply chain seems to remain a struggle throughout the industry. But we’ve seen some real improvement lately. We’re trying to plan as much as possible in advance,” says Wendling. The company’s long-established customer support engineers are a key means of maintaining close contact with customers.

Europe is Bell’s second biggest helicopter market after the US. “It is a very mature market, but it is very diverse as well,” he says. “Bell has been in Europe for a very long time and we’re here for long term. We’re bringing new products, new technology like the Bell 525 – it’s an exciting time for us.”

Meanwhile, Wendling still has deals to close and two sales managers to recruit. So, if you know likely candidates, please send them this newsletter, along with our invitation to subscribe to this free weekly newsletter.

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