Bell Textron appointed Japan General Aviation Service (JGAS) as an authorized reseller for the Bell 505 single-engine rotorcraft in the Japanese market, the U.S. rotorcraft manufacturer announced in Tokyo on Wednesday.
JGAS has operated as an aircraft and spares sales agent in the country since 2009 and also provides aftermarket support. In 2023, the company signed a contract to take delivery of the first Bell 429 Designer Series helicopter in Japan.
According to the Textron subsidiary, it has delivered more than 100 Bell 505s to customers in the Asia-Pacific region. The single-pilot light helicopter, which entered the market in 2017, can carry four passengers on routes of up to 306 nm.
“We have seen the Bell 505 grow from strength to strength in the region over the last few years and we want to ensure the momentum continues within Japan,” said Takuya Masamura, the country manager for Bell Japan. “With their extensive experience and deep commitment to the customer, JGAS was the ideal choice to work with to grow the Bell 505’s presence in a key market.”