Bell Announces First Purchase Agreement for SUBARU Bell 412EPX for Commercial Operations in Europe

Latest Bell 412 variant achieves new milestone through order from Austrian operator, Kitz Air

Friedrichshafen, Germany (April 9, 2025) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at Aero Friedrichshafen its first signed purchase agreement for the SUBARU Bell 412EPX in Europe for commercial operations. Austrian air carrier, Kitz-Air GmbH, signed a purchase agreement for the newest Bell 412 variant, to be used for aerial work, transport flights and forestry operations. Bell received previous orders for the SUBARU Bell 412EPX in the European market from Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior and Croatia Ministry of Interior.

 “We’re pleased to announce the agreement for the sale of the SUBARU Bell 412EPX to Kitz-Air at Aero Friedrichshafen and look forward to celebrating the aircraft’s entry into Commercial operations in Europe,” said Robin Wendling, managing director, Europe. “The Bell 412 platform has provided reliable and versatile solutions for government, military and firefighting missions throughout the region. Bell is eager to continue this legacy by bringing the most advanced Bell 412 to this market.”  

“Our missions are very demanding: whether lifting more than 2.000kg of external sling load on high altitude construction projects in the mountains or executing critical fire-fighting missions - the SUBARU Bell 412EPX has the right performance to fulfil all of our missions,” said Christoph Klein, Accountable Manager, Kitz-Air GmbH.

There are nearly 130 Bell 412s operating in Europe, performing commercial and government missions across the continent. The aircraft builds on recent global successful orders from Japan Coast Guard, San Diego Fire and Rescue, Croatia Ministry of Interior, Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior and more. The SUBARU Bell 412EPX offers space for up to thirteen passengers, class-leading performances with a maximum gross weight of up to 5.897kg, a robust main rotor gearbox with dry-run capability, and capability to carry 2.268kg using a cargo hook.

ABOUT Kitz-Air GmbH

At Kitz-Air, innovation isn’t just a principle — it’s the very air we move through. From our headquarters in Erpfendorf, Austria, we redefine what’s possible in modern helicopter aviation, pairing alpine precision with a relentless drive toward the future of flight.

At the heart of Kitz-Air's ascendancy is a Team around Christoph Klein of approximately twenty dedicated professionals whose expertise and passion fuel the company's dynamic growth. This augmentation in human capital reflects Kitz-Air's proactive approach to meeting the escalating demands of the aviation industry.

We are visionaries. Founded with the ambition to elevate aerial mobility across Europe, we’ve grown into a multidisciplinary aviation company offering premium services — from air ambulance and Aerial work logistics to tailored passenger solutions. Our custom-built heliport stands as a symbol of progress, precision, and our unwavering focus on operational excellence.

With each new chapter, we are crafting the next era of rotorcraft capability — building systems, cultivating talent, and quietly preparing for what’s next. At Kitz-Air, we don’t just fly. We ascend with purpose.