Bell certifies 407GXi in China

Bell has received type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China to operate the Bell 407GXi light-single helicopter in China.

In May last year, Bell received type certification for the 505 in anticipation of the delivery of a 110 aircraft order.

“We are pleased that Bell has received the Chinese validation of the Bell 407GXi type certificate which will enable us to begin delivering our most advanced Bell 407 model to Chinese customers,” said Jacinto Monge, Manager Director of Bell North Asia.

“The validated type certificate will pave the way for deliveries of the 407GXi to customers in China right after the lunar new year, and showcases the excellent working relationship between FAA, CAAC, and US aircraft manufacturers such as Bell.”

The 407GXi is an updated variant of the 407 featuring a new Garmin G1000H flight deck, a dual-channel Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/4 turboshaft engine.

The aircraft type first debuted at Heli Expo 2018 in February. The helicopter was certified by the FAA and the first delivery was made to a Chilean customer in October of the same year. There are currently 1,400 Bell 407 helicopters in operation worldwide.

China has been one of Bell’s biggest customers for the past few years./*//

In 2017, Bell secured one of its largest ever commercial helicopter orders from a Chinese customer. Chinese operator Shaanxi Helicopter has ordered 100 Bell 407s and the company is determined to establish an air medical-rescue and law-enforcement network across China.

Bell also recently secured an order with six 407GX sales to four customers at Zhuhai Chinese Airshow in November last year.