Kenya, a country blessed with vast and breathtaking landscapes, offers some of the most spectacular natural vistas on the African continent. However, it is important to ensure tourists explore its sweeping savannas, lush forests and coastal beauty responsibly and that its wildlife is protected. Aberdair Aviation plays a crucial role in facilitating these missions. As a leading aviation company in Africa, Aberdair has operated across more than 20 African countries in various sectors, including tourism, conservation, surveying, aerial fire-fighting, cargo, medevac, oil and gas exploration support, and many more.

Aberdair Aviation was founded by father-son team, Freddie and Adrian Wilcox. With a relationship built on trust and years of collaboration, Freddie was the first Bell operator in East Africa more than 55 years ago. Today, Bell's reputation for producing reliable and high-performing helicopters still aligns with Aberdair's mission to provide top-tier aviation solutions across Africa.

Aberdair operates for Great Plains Conservation in Kenya and uses the Bell 505, Bell’s single-engine helicopter known for its versatility across various industries. The Bell 505 has become a well-established choice for both commercial and military training, while also being popular for private ownership. Additionally, it is widely used in law enforcement and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). Its adaptable cabin space, flat floor, clamshell doors, powerful and fuel-efficient engine (the only dual-channel FADEC controlled engine in its class), high visibility, and intuitive avionics make it a highly versatile platform for any mission.

Great Plains chose the Bell 505 for its tourism and conservation initiatives due to its compact size and cost-effectiveness. Able to transport guests and their luggage, go on safaris, and navigate remote and rugged terrains, it also offers exceptional performance in hot and high conditions. Moreover, its outstanding visibility is perfect for tourists and game spotting, providing an unparalleled viewing experience. Those qualities also translate well for Great Plains conservation efforts, which include monitoring/tracking wildlife and even its transportation. The Bell 505 has also proved itself in anti-poaching efforts, as it can be deployed rapidly and cover large areas quickly to safeguard the animals. The synergy between tourism and conservation efforts is especially evident in operations around iconic locations such as Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, the Bell 505's capabilities are fully leveraged to support conservation initiatives while offering tourists an unforgettable experience. By both protecting and showcasing these natural treasures, Kenya's breathtaking landscapes can be preserved for generations to come.

The Bell 505 continues to be the ideal aircraft for adventurers, providing incredible visibility to surrounding terrain. Learn more about the aircraft’s benefits for exploration and recreation here.