Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced a signed purchase agreement for the first two Bell 429s configured for Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in the Middle East.

The aircraft will be equipped with a fully customized EMS interior and state-of-the-art avionics. The aircraft will be delivered in 2015 and will support medical rescue missions throughout the region.

“We are excited to bring the Bell 429 to the Middle East for HEMS operations. In the past few years, EMS operators throughout the world have seen firsthand that the Bell 429 is the most modern light-twin helicopter available. In fact, of the nearly 200 Bell 429s operating worldwide, nearly 20% of them operate HEMS and parapublic missions,” said Steve Suttles, Bell Helicopter’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa.

“In recent years, a range of key global customers, including the Swedish National Police, New York Police Department, Turkish National Police, Air Zermatt and Wiltshire Air Ambulance, have all chosen the Bell 429 as the best solution for their mission needs. We expect to continue to see strong growth as more and more customers see firsthand the amazing capabilities of this machine in action.” Suttles added.

The Bell 429 is the only light twin-engine helicopter on the market with true two-litter capability, featuring enough cabin space for two medical attendants and two crew members. The Bell 429 also offers exceptional flight performance with a fully integrated glass cockpit, advanced drive system and best-in-class WAAS navigation and IFR capability. Additional safety features include a collective mounted throttle, damage tolerant hub and rotor system, and energy attenuating seats.

The Bell 429 is the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process, resulting in reduced maintenance costs for operators. The Bell 429 also features a spacious cabin and extra large 60 inch side doors, as well as Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability certified for single or dual pilot operations.

“The advanced situational awareness and performance of the Bell 429 will be key for operators in the region to complete missions in this region as safely and effectively as possible. The total cost of ownership of the Bell 429 provides operators with value not only upon purchase, but also throughout the entire lifecycle of the aircraft. We are looking forward to increasing our HEMS capabilities throughout the Gulf Coast countries in the years to come as we continue to build momentum,” said David Sale, Middle East Regional Sales Manager for Bell Helicopter.