This year marks a special anniversary for both Bell and Bell Independent Representative, National Airways Corporation (NAC). Thirty years ago, in 1989, we teamed up to offer helicopter solutions to go above and beyond flight in the southern part of Africa.

One of the most prominent markets on the African continent is South Africa. With 225 Bell aircraft in operation in the country alone, the demand for vertical lift solutions has been high, particularly for light single-engine aircraft. This success is due to the outstanding collaboration between Bell and NAC and the combination of advanced vertical lift aircraft with award winning local support, training and expertise.

Established in 1946, NAC offers a full range of aviation products and services, including new and pre-owned sales, maintenance, parts, charter flights, international operations, air ambulance services, aircraft leasing and pilot, technical and air traffic control training. NAC is based at Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg and operates a South African network.

1989 – NAC becomes Bell, Independent Representative

1993 – First Bell 230 delivered to Amplats

1997 – Bell 430 delivery to Amplats

1996 – Bell 407 enters southern African market

2016 – Corporate customer purchases first Bell 429 at AAD airshow

2018 – First Bell 505 delivery into southern Africa. 

2018 – NAC celebrates grand opening of new state-of-the-art Heliport facility

Today - NAC Helicopter Operations supports anti-poaching efforts with a Bell 407 in Chinko, Central African Republic

During a private ceremony this week, we celebrated our past, present and future in southern Africa.

Photo caption (left to right): Martin Banner - CEO NAC, Sameer Rehman - Bell Managing Director and Gary Phillips - NAC Executive Director.

With new commercial aircraft entering the market such the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X and the Bell 525, there are exciting times ahead for operators in Africa. We look forward to a bright future on the second largest continent in the world.