Story ID: 1071614alerts
Bell Helicopter Upgrades Prague Facility
By: David A. Lombardo
Caption: To address regional demand, company plans to enhance customization capabilities and offer training.
Word Count: 138
Bell Helicopter’s facility in Prague, Czech Republic, will become the OEM’s regional customization, delivery and aftermarket service center to address growing European demand. In addition to upgrades to the facility, the company laid out its plans for future investments in Europe, including expanded customization capabilities and regional training. The company changed the name of the facility from Aviation Services to Bell Helicopter.

Acquired by Bell in February 2010, Aviation Services provides modifications, upgrades, avionics and special-mission packages. Shortly after the acquisition, the company achieved EASA Part 145 approval and Part 145 maintenance organization approval certification from the Ukraine State Aviation Administration. Last year the EASA expanded and updated the scope of the facility’s design organization approval (DOA), allowing it to perform major changes on the primary structure and cabin interiors of all Bell helicopters.