Bell Scores Big in Latin America Market

Latin America has become a major market for Bell Helicopter Textron, which has sold more than 100 new aircraft to commercial and government operators there in the last two years. The machines are being employed in a variety of roles, including drug interdiction, crop fumigation, offshore oil support, disaster relief, and general transport.

At the top of the list, Mexico's Procuraduria General de la Republica recently took delivery of 24 new Bell 206L-4 Long Rangers, to be employed in the anti-drug role. The PGR also took delivery of four Bell 407s, with all customizing and final completion work performed by SACSA in Mexico City. Bell also won a tender to upgrade the PGR's existing Bell helicopter fleet.

Three new 412s went to AeroServicios Especializados, a major operator in the offshore oil market. These helicopters are based at Ciudad del Carmen, and used to support oil platforms in the Bay of Campeche.

Commercial operator Heliservicios took delivery of three Bell 412EPs, which will be flown on behalf of Mexico's federal electric company, Comision Federal de Electricidad.

Mexico's Federal Police took delivery of a new Bell 412EP, an instrument-flight-capable aircraft for personnel transport. Additionally, three Mexican state governments each have new Bells: a 206B-3 for Veracruz, a 412EP and a 407 for Michoacan, and a 412EP for Mexico. SACSA completed each of these aircraft in Mexico City.

In El Salvador, Bell won a contract for five 412EPs. The Salvadoran Minister of Defense said the aircraft would improve response times in the event of floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

The Brazilian government is a repeat Bell customer, and recently added a sixth Bell 407 to its fleet. Other Brazilian 407 operators include the Brazilian Highway Police and Federal Police.