Helicopter manufacturer Bell announced the sale of a Bell 429 to Kuwait International Aircraft Leasing (KIAL) for use by the Ministry of Health’s helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operation. Bell expects to deliver the aircraft in August 2022.
Almost 400 light-twin Bell 429s operate today in a variety of uses, such as emergency missions, law enforcement, parapublic, oil and gas, and corporate transport.
“We are very familiar with the aircraft’s excellent performance in our hot environment and its ability to move patients from emergency scenes to our medical facilities,” said Jassem Buqamber, Kuwait’s air ambulance commander. “We look forward to the delivery of the third helicopter, which will allow us to expand our operations within the country.”
The Bell 429 is well suited to HEMS missions as well as search and rescue and, with space for up to six people, is operated by many governments all around the world.
“We are honored that that State of Kuwait has again selected the Bell 429 as their light-twin helicopter of choice for their latest HEMS contract,” said Sameer Rehman, Bell managing director for the Middle East and Africa. “Its remarkable flight performance, coupled with its multi-mission pedigree, make it perfectly suited to the Ministry of Health’s aim of providing advanced emergency life support to all areas of Kuwait."