Bell 505 enters Asia Pacific market

Bell has delivered the first two of its Bell 505 Jet Ranger Xs into the Asia Pacific market.

Helicopter charter and touring company Nautilus Aviation has taken delivery of the two super-medium helicopters in Queensland where they will both operate. The two helicopters will operate for tourism charter and utility flights in the North Queensland and Great Barrier Reef areas.

Bell expects Asia Pacific to be the largest market for the Bell 505.

Sameer A. Rehman, managing director of Bell Helicopter Asia Pacific, said: “The Australian helicopter market is one of the largest and most important segments globally for Bell. We are pleased that the first 505s delivered into the region are with Nautilus Aviation, and are confident that both helicopters will deliver exceptional value to Nautilus in its endeavour to provide customers an unparalleled experience.

“We look forward to working closely with Nautilus to bring these aircraft into service and supporting Nautilus’ preparation of the aircraft for charter and utility operations.”

Nautilus initially accepted the delivery of both helicopters in October 2017 at Bell’s Mirabel facility in Canada after a test flight session. The aircraft were then shipped to Australia to start operations.

Aaron Finn, CEO of Nautilus Aviation, said: “At Nautilus, safety and excellence are paramount to us and, in both regards, the Bell 505 has performed beyond our expectations throughout the test flights we took. I am confident that the new 505, with its advanced safety and avionics technology, will help us deliver a unique and safe experience for all our customers.”