Bell has delivered its 400th Model 429, with the milestone light twin helicopter going to the Canadian Coast Guard as part of its $338 million fleet renewal program that began in 2014. The revised fleet consists of seven Bell 412EPI and 16 Bell 429 helicopters that support ships engaged in maritime work including aids to navigation, environmental response, icebreaking operations, and search and rescue. This delivery marked the 16th Bell 429 under that contract.
“With this procurement, our Canadian Coast Guard’s light helicopter fleet is fully renewed. This is so important because a strong, well-equipped coast guard is one of the best ways to save lives on the water and protect our marine environment,” said Joyce Murray, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Annually, the Canadian Coast Guard’s Bell 429 fleet flies more than 5,500 hours. Globally, the Bell 429 has thus far achieved 523,000 operating hours. Bell, which manufactures the helicopter at its assembly plant in Mirabel, Quebec, delivered the 429 in 2009.