Shin-Nihon Helicopters Expand Japan's Largest Bell Fleet with Purchase of First Two Bell 429s

Tokyo, Japan (June 10, 2025) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced that Shin-Nihon Helicopters has signed a purchase agreement for its first two Bell 429 helicopters, further expanding the largest Bell fleet in Japan.

Slated to perform both powerline patrol and personnel transportation work, the new additions will bolster Shin-Nihon Helicopters’ fleet, which also includes other models like the Bell 206, Bell 412 and Bell 427. Shin-Nihon Helicopters has been a longstanding customer of Bell, with a relationship that goes back to 1960, and became Japan’s first Bell 407GXi operator in 2019 when they purchased two of the single-engine light utility platforms.

“For 65 years, Shin-Nihon Helicopters has been a valued partner, and we are proud to see this enduring relationship grow from strength to strength, with the purchase of two more aircraft,” said David Sale, managing director, Asia Pacific, Bell. “The Bell 429s will empower Shin-Nihon Helicopters and its people to continue providing exceptional service to a variety of customers across the country.”

The Bell 429 is the perfect addition to Shin-Nihon Helicopters’ current rotorcraft line-up. The light twin-engine aircraft boasts the largest cabin in its category and an integrated avionics suite, all powered by dual PW207D1/D2 FADEC-equipped engines. It also delivers exceptional speed, range and hover performance, on top of a single pilot IFR capability.

Across the world, the Bell 429 supports missions of every kind, from public safety to HEMs and oil and gas. More than 500 Bell 429s operate globally, logging over 735,000 flight hours to date – a testament of the platform’s versatility and efficiency.