Bell Textron has opened a new Bell 525 Experience Center at the Stavanger Airport in Norway. This move comes as Bell nears certification approval for the super-medium twin and seeks to promote it to North Sea offshore energy and regional military customers.
The rotorcraft manufacturer partnered with its area independent representative, the Norwegian Aviation & Defense Group, to establish the facility. It is located inside a hangar that displays the Bell 525 mockup with interactive workstations for potential customers to learn more about the helicopter. Bell said the fly-by-wire 525 will use up to 30 percent less fuel than heavy helicopters currently servicing the region.
Last year, Bell announced a collaboration agreement with Norwegian oil and gas operator Wintershall Dea Norge AS to bring enhanced operational helicopter safety to the North Sea. Bell said its involvement with Wintershall helped it develop a new standard of operations for the oil and gas industry in the North Sea. “Norway is a key market for Bell, and we are proud to establish our presence here,” said Patrick Moulay, Bell's senior v-p for commercial business.