HI Uplift: Bell Textron goes 700 up with the Bell 505

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by Mike Stones

17 August 2026

Bell Textron's 700th Bell 505 awaits its new owner at Farnborough Air Show.

Beyoncé headlined the Super Bowl half-time show and movie goers thrilled to Disney’s blockbuster Frozen. In the rotary world, Bell Textron chose the Paris Air Show in the same year of 2013 to unveil its new Bell SLS (Short Light Single) – the helicopter later designated the Bell 505. Thirteen years later, last month, at another airshow (Farnborough), the manufacturer confirmed it had completed its 700th delivery of the model.

To mark the achievement, we sought the views of Robin Wendling, the OEM’s MD of Europe – perhaps not an impartial commentator but certainly an informed one.

But first, a few basics. Powered by a single Safran Arrius R2 turboshaft engine with dual-channel FADEC (full authority digital engine control), the Bell 505 achieves a maximum cruise of 125kt with a range of 306nm. Carrying one pilot and up to four passengers, the model has a useful load of about 1,500lb (680 kg).

They are capabilities that have helped the helicopter carve out a niche in the executive travel market, according to Wendling. “The 505 has become an increasingly attractive model across the VIP and corporate aircraft sector, largely due to its combination of modern technology and premium passenger experience,” he tells us.

Executive travel

Also, its wraparound glass cockpit and large windows provide “virtually unrivalled visibility for both passengers and pilots”, he continues. That is said to suit the aircraft for executive travel, sightseeing and city-to-city transportation. “The versatility of the 505 is ultimately what broadens its customer base and reinforces the long-term value proposition for owners,” says Wendling.

The market for new Bell 505s in Europe has remained strong so far this year, says the OEM, despite falling transactions for pre-owned single engine helicopters in the first half of this year, as reported by Aero Asset.

“The European VIP and corporate helicopter sector remain healthy, with customers continuing to make their purchasing decisions based on value, operational economics and aircraft availability,” Wendling tells us. “The demand for helicopters like the 505 remains resilient amongst private owners, business travel and VIP experiences, largely for their lower cost without the capability sacrifice. The sector is also benefitting from customers putting more of an emphasis on modern avionics, reliability, and manufacturer support.”

Private ownership

The tourism and private ownership sector across Europe are continuing to remain strong, but there is a greater focus on aircraft who can perform multiple missions and have greater usability, he added.

This contrasts with the first-half market for pre-owned singles, which fell in the first six months of this year, said Valérie Pereira, vice president of Market Research at broker and market intelligent firm Aero Asset. “Inventory tightened faster than demand softened, supporting pricing stability and liquidity. Buyer demand remained active for quality aircraft, while sellers benefited from one of the lowest supply levels observed in recent years,” said Pereira.

‘Newest operator’

Commenting on the 700th buyer of the Bell 505 at Farnborough Airshow, Wending said: “Our team is honoured to ring in this Bell 505 milestone right here at the Farnborough International Airshow.” He later added: “We look forward to welcoming our newest operator to the Bell family, while also celebrating all of our Bell 505 operators across the different mission segments throughout the world.”

Since its commercial launch in 2017, the Bell 505 has logged more than 390,000 flight hours and operates in more than 55 countries across six continents.

The base price of a Bell 505 is thought to range between $1.6m to $2m. But that can reach up to $2.6m once equipped with standard commercial options, custom interiors and avionics packages.

Meanwhile, November 24th, 2027 will see the release of Frozen 3 – the latest film in Disney’s arctic franchise. It remains to be seen how many more Bell 505s the manufacturer will have added to its delivery list by then.

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