Bell 505 and 429 Recognized as Best-in-Class Aircraft by Customers in Business Jet Traveler Survey

For the fifth consecutive year, the Bell 505 earned the top spot in the Business Jet Traveler’s Annual Readers’ Choice Survey as the preferred customer aircraft in the light single-turbine helicopters category. This is one of the many praises the aircraft has received as it continues to garner global attention for its standout benefits and advanced technology. From utility uses like cargo movement in the high altitudes of the Rocky Mountains to cutting down time wasted during corporate travel, the short single light aircraft offers exceptional performance in dynamic roles.

Texas real estate developer Clayton Boyd states that “with the Bell 505, I'm ready to go in five minutes, fly to destination, land at destination, do my business, stop, get fuel, grab something to eat and come home,” said Boyd. “It just cuts my day in half as far as transportation.”

In Europe, Bell recently celebrated its 60th Bell 505 delivery in region to the Montenegro Air Force. “The Bell 505 is one of the most modern helicopters to recently enter the commercial market, and we know we made a great decision,” said Predrag Boskovic, former Minister of Defence, Montenegro Air Force. “With a small country and small military force, the key is modernization. Working with Bell, we believe that the helicopters are of high quality, and this gives us security knowing they allow us to complete the mission.”

The first Bell 505 delivery took place in 2017, and there are now 300 aircraft in operation across six continents, with customers logging a total of more than 70,000 global fleet hours. It is one of Bell’s fastest growing commercial programs to date, surpassing several significant milestones since its inception and carrying on the world-renowned Jet Ranger legacy.

But the Bell 505 isn’t the only customer favorite highlighted in the 11th annual survey. The Bell 429 was named the most favored aircraft for the light twin-turbine helicopters category. In 2021, Bell delivered its first Bell 429 to Cambodia for corporate travel; we also collaborated with a German systems supplier to showcase a Bell 429 ESG law enforcement demonstrator to potential police and military customers in Europe.

Bell continues to invest in new technology to enhance our commercial platforms for our global customers, delivering high-performing solutions for a broad range of missions. Hearing their feedback reminds our teams why we dedicate ourselves to every customer and every flight.