Here's our exclusive interview with Patrick Moulay, Bell Helicopter's Managing Director for Europe and Russia

If you think about Bell, you think about helicopters. Yet, if you take a look at Europe, you realize the Old Continent and the historical American Company haven’t really connected with each other. However, something has just changed as Bell Helicopter has new products, state-of-the-art technologies and an unquestionable appeal. As it proved during AirMed 2014 in Rome, Bell Helicopter Textron is determined to make a comeback in the European market as a leading manufacturer. One of its key markets is HEMS and its standard bearer is the Bell 429 Globalranger.

We talked about it with Patrick Moulay, Bell Helicopter’s Managing Director for Europe and Russia.

Mr Moulay, Bell Helicopter Textron is today’s third leading company in the European helicopter market. How do you plan to gain ground on your competitors?

‘We will keep offering competitive products that match the features of the European industry. In the past years, we’ve registered a significant growth in the European market, something that can be in part explained by the success of the Bell 429. We currently have an installed based on nearly 40 Bell 429s. Besides, we have also had a number key wins in the last calendar year.’

Are you referring to the agreement with the Turkish Police?

'Exactly. But I’m also thinking about National Grid, Saran Aviation, Air Zermatt, HeliDrive and Heli-Alps. As more and more customers see the benefits and full capabilities of the aircraft, we are seeing increased demand and interest for a variety of missions, especially corporate and EMS. They appreciate the benefits and operating capacities of the 429 helicopter. Furthermore, we’ve also reported a significant boost in the helicopter supply for a growing number of missions, particularly in the corporate and HEMS market segments'.

How do you plan to guarantee the same meticulous assistance in Europe?

'We are growing our presence in the region through our Prague Service Center and network of CSFs and IRs, to make sure we can provide industry leading service and support to current and future customers in their own backyard.'

The new 429 helicopter has just begun a demo tour in Europe. Can this be considered as a first step toward Bell’s great comeback in the Old Continent?

'I’d rather talk of a logical offshoot of the momentum we’ve already seen in previous years. However, the 429 helicopter has undoubtedly played an important role thanks to its technical features, which make it ideal for HEMS missions'.

It’s also the first MSG-3-certified helicopter, isn’t it?

'Yes, the MSG-3 certification has enabled us to reduce its maintenance costs for operators. Besides, the 429 is the only light twin-engine helicopter on the market with true two-stretcher capability, featuring enough cabin space for two medical attendants and two crew members'.

What about active and passive safety?

'The pilots can count on a fully integrated glass cockpit, advanced drive system and best-in-class WAAS navigation and IFR capability. Furthermore, another key point of the helicopter is the a collective mounted throttle, damage tolerant hub and rotor system, and energy attenuating seats'.

The success of the 429 in the tender of the Canadian Coast Guard might lead to interesting scenarios, do you agree?

'Definitely. We are seeing opportunities worldwide across all mission segments and will continue to pursue similar opportunities'.