Story ID: 537
Mecaer To Complete First VIP Bell 505
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: The company's MAGnificent treatment will be similar to the cabins it has created for the Bell 429 and 525.
Word Count: 215
Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG, Booth C4427) has been selected by Montreal-based Helite Aviation to provide the VIP interior for the first commercially-operated Bell 505. Mecaer will perform the work for the interior package, which it dubbed the 505 MAGnificent, at Bell’s Mirabel, Canada production facility.

Similar to the company’s previous VIP interiors for the Bell 429 and 525, it will include style upgrades to the passenger and crew seats; carpet with threshold covers; reading lights and air gaspers; new passenger service units; cabin liners for the doors and ceiling areas; and flight control boots. The major components will be fabricated at MAG’s headquarters in Italy. 

“We are confident that the superior capability and performance of the aircraft, combined with the outstanding craftsmanship and comfort of the MAGnificent bespoke interior is defining a new category in the light single segment,” said Helite owner Mathieu Norman. “The strong support of Mecaer, combined with the legendary Bell product support made them natural partners for us to go forward with the MAGnificent interior upgrade program for our 505.”

Mecaer expects to receive an STC for the interior kit later this year, ahead of an early-2019 delivery. The three companies plan to market the completed aircraft at trade shows and on customer demonstration flights.