Bell (Chalet A44, A45) looks to replicate earlier major orders at the Dubai Airshow, as the Gulf and wider Middle East emerge from the shadow of Covid-19 with a renewed zest for business. However, government customers in the region remain tight-lipped about their plans, as programs either move ahead or await funding reallocations.
“The Africa and Middle East region is a resilient market," said Bell managing director for Africa and the Middle East Sameer Rehman. “Helicopter operations have also been an essential activity at the grassroots level [in] oil and gas, emergency medical services, law enforcement, corporate aviation, and other utility work.”
The region, like the rest of the world, was unlikely to follow a normal lead time cycle to recovery, as business sectors relied heavily on vertical lift to conduct operations safely and securely, he added.
“The pent-up demand during the darker months of the pandemic will drive the Bell business forward,” explained Rehman. “There will be a need and, as always, Bell will be there to help our customers to regain their optimal model of business and government operations as they have been pre-2020.”
Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) is a major customer, operating 22 Bell 412s and 12 Bell 212s among its fleet of 65 aircraft. Qatar’s Gulf Helicopters also operates the Bell 412SP among a fleet of several other aircraft. “ADA and Bell have a great history and a great relationship,” said Mark Pierotti, Director, Commercial Department, ADA. “Bell will always be part of our DNA. The 412s and 212s are very important to us; even though they're aging, there is a market for all the aircraft.”
Just after 2019's Dubai Airshow, the UAE’s Horizon International Flight Academy ordered 12 Bell 505s and took delivery of the full complement in the first four months of the following year. Less than three months later, the flight school crossed the 1,000-flight hour mark.
“We are focusing on the use of helicopters in the law enforcement and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) sectors," noted Rehman. "Aircraft like the Bell 505 and 429 will prove invaluable in critical calls for service when minutes matter.”
The VVIP and luxury segment accounts for another key business. “With the likes of the 525, Bell is setting the standard and offers flexible cabin layouts, single-engine flyaway capability, superior payload, and range performance and exceptional visibility, which all exceed industry standards,” he said. “We are also working on general aviation activities across the region, [with] various sales in different sectors from military to corporate, while also looking at technology and logistics.”
Rehman is encouraging potential customers to visit the Bell booth at the Dubai Airshow. “We are excited to be at the show," he proclaimed. "We will showcase a Bell 505 and Bell 429 at the event. Bell is thrilled to participate in tradeshows again, so we can meet face-to-face with our customers.”