Mercy Flight, headquartered in Buffalo, New York, has taken delivery of three Bell 429 helicopters.
“The Bell 429 is an incredible platform, and we are proud to add three additional aircraft to our fleet as we strive to continue saving lives and improving outcomes for many more years to come,” says president Doug Baker. “The core of our business is crew and patient safety, and the Bell 429 has proven performance and reliability in demanding situations.”
There are more than 190 Bell helicopters currently performing HEMS operations around the world. The type features enough cabin space for two medical attendants and two crew members and has a fully integrated glass cockpit, advanced drive system, satellite-base augmentation system navigation and IFR capability. It is the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process, resulting in reduced maintenance costs for operators. The aircraft also has a spacious cabin and 60-inch side doors.
“The Bell 429 delivers exceptional speed and aircraft readiness when minutes matter,” says Bell's VP of commercial business in the Americas Jay Ortiz. “Bell is incredibly proud to provide aircraft to support the men and women of Mercy Flight who dedicate their lives to serving others, and we look forward to working together for many years.”
Mercy Flight is a non-profit organisation established in 1981. It has completed more than 27,000 patient missions during the last 36 years across western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania.