Ticino, Switzerland-based helicopter service company Karen has taken delivery of two new-production Bell 505s as part of its plan to modernize its single-engine fleet of three Agusta-Bell 206 helicopters and as a result of a strategic investment in Karen’s Aviation Training Center. The center provides aircrew and technical training under Part 147. Karen said it plans to acquire additional training helicopters.
The company will use the new aircraft for training and charter commercial flights. One is configured with a VIP interior and the other with a utility interior and cargo hook. Karen said the performance of the 505 made it better suited for mountainous operations. Upon certification approval, an autopilot will be added to the VIP ship, which will enable its use as an IFR trainer.
Karen holds EASA Part 147 and Part 145 MRO certifications and is an authorized service center for Leonardo Helicopters and Pratt & Whitney Canada engines. It services Leonardo AW119-series, A109/AW109-series, AW169, AW139, and AW189 helicopters, in addition to Bell 206, 505, and 212/412 models.