Bell has announced that a new facility in Eagle Farm, Queensland will be the primary rotary blade repair centre for all Bell helicopters in Australia and the Pacific.
The announcement came as a Bell 429 helicopter flew into Brisbane’s ROTORTECH Trade Exposition.
Speaking from Brisbane, Bell Director of Business Development - Australia, Dan McQuestin also welcomed the Queensland Government’s investment in the Queensland aviation industry through its support of ROTORTECH.
“The Queensland Government’s ongoing investment in the local aviation industry brings innovation, new technologies and advanced manufacturing opportunities to Queensland. Bell and Jet Aviation’s rotary blade repair facility at Eagle Farm will provide long term secure jobs for Queenslanders,” said McQuestin.
The Bell 429 helicopter is widely used in para-public, emergency services and law enforcement roles globally and is regarded as one of the most successful light twin helicopters in the aviation market.
“The open architecture system and global support in place gives the Bell helicopter the capacity to perform consistently and adapt rapidly to new technologies and evolving requirements,” said McQuestin. “It really is the platform of choice for law enforcement organisations, search and rescue, ambulance and other para-public agencies worldwide.”
In 2020, the New South Wales Police Force announced the purchase of three Bell 429 helicopters as part of its modernisation project to deliver enhanced capabilities to its aerial policing services.
The Bell 429 is one of only two platforms to be considered for the Australian Army’s special operations helicopter capability in the Land 2097 Phase 4 project.
“The Bell 429 helicopter has exceptional speed, performance, range and low life-cycle costs,” said McQuestin. “Bell is strongly committed to the development of the Queensland aviation industry and job security for Queenslanders.”