Navigating Through High Winds and Icy Mountains, Air Zermatt Puts Its Bell 429 To The Test

Search and Rescue team, Air Zermatt performs high mountain rescue all year round in a picturesque yet extremely demanding environment: the Swiss Alps. They operate one the most recognizable Bell 429's, a bright red aircraft that stands out beautifully against a snowy backdrop. To add to their fleet, the team has purchased another Bell 429, expected to be delivered next year. This delivery will arrive right on time for Air Zermatt's 50th anniversary in May.

Bell V-280 Valor Testing

The aircraft is configured for day and night operations and equipped with EMS tools, NVG, hoist and a HEC dual cargo hook. This customer will be on the Customer Advantage Plan Premier contract where they will receive a fixed cost per flight hour service option that protects customers' budgets and their aircraft, and increases aircraft availability at rates competitive to published direct maintenance costs. Bell will also train Air Zermatt pilots to operate the Bell Valencia 429 Full Flight Simulator Level D.

The Bell 429 has more cabin space than any other light twin helicopter on the market, with flat flooring and seating for seven passengers and one flight crew. The space enables passenger mobility and room for healthcare emergency services. When time is of the essence in the series, the Bell 429's 60-inch wide side doors and optional rear clam-shell doors provide quick and easy access. The state-of-the-art technology in the Bell 429 includes a fully integrated glass cockpit, advanced drive system, best-in-class WAAS/ SBAS navigation and IFR capability.

Due to our iconic and bold customer, the Bell 429 solidifies its position as the premier helicopter for mountain rescue. To see Air Zermatt and the Bell 429 in action, watch Red Bull TV's series, The Horn.

About Bell

Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.

We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.

Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.

About Textron

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products; volatility in interest rates or foreign exchange rates; and risks related to our international business, including establishing and maintaining facilities in locations around the world and relying on joint venture partners, subcontractors, suppliers, representatives, consultants and other business partners in connection with international business, including in emerging market countries.

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