Story ID: 419 Bell in ME
Bell Helicopter Touts Middle East Sales
By: James Wynbrandt
Caption: Company opens Abu Dhabi office, delivers 16 Bell 429s for Middle East operations.
Word Count: 169
Bell Helicopter has come to Heli-Expo 2015 bearing news from the Middle East. In late February, Bell opened a new regional branch office in Abu Dhabi to support sales and marketing efforts in the region. John Garrison, president and CEO, sees “incredible potential for Bell Helicopter’s commercial business in the Middle East,” a view bolstered by recent sales.
  
In the days following the opening, the company announced the sale and delivery of 16 new Bell 407GXs to BBM of Reno, Nev., destined for operation in the Middle East, and configured for missions that includes casualty evacuation and reconnaissance.
  
In addition, the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS), an earth science organization focused on sustainable management of resources, signed a purchase agreement for a Bell 429 to support geological mapping, mineral exploration and other operations. The Fort Worth, Texas-based OEM also announced that Kuwait’s Ministry of Health will operate the first two Bell 429s configured for helicopter emergency services, with delivery of the aircraft scheduled for April.