Bell celebrates relationship of 70 years with Forth Worth

Executives from US-based aerospace manufacturer Bell and city officials celebrated this delivery at the police department’s hangar at Meacham Airport to mark a 70-year relationship between Bell and Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Police Department currently operates two Bell 206 Jet Ranger aircraft.

“Bell is proud to continue the long legacy of supporting the Fort Worth Police Department and public safety initiatives in our growing community,” said Mitch Snyder, President and CEO. “Fort Worth has shaped Bell as a company since our move here in 1951, providing an environment accepting of new ideas and technology that remains vital to our future. We look forward to watching the Fort Worth PD and the Bell 505 serve the citizens of Fort Worth.”

Modernizing efforts continue 70 years later

In 1951, Lawrence Bell broke ground in Fort Worth on Bell Aircraft Corporation’s helicopter division, to be called Bell Helicopter. More than 70 years later, Bell has completed several consolidation and modernization efforts as well as establishing new facilities in Fort Worth to support advanced manufacturing and Bell’s Commercial Business operations. With more than 4,200 employees, Bell continues to positively bring long-term economic growth and jobs to North Texas.

“The City of Fort Worth and Bell have an incredible, long-standing partnership, and I am thrilled to see this continue to positively impact our community,” said Mayor Betsy Price. “Fort Worth Police Department’s new Bell 505 will be a great asset to the community as we continue to prioritize public safety for all residents using top-of-the-line technology. The City looks forward to growing our partnership with Bell, as it is critical we support local businesses and uplift the innovative work being done in our own backyard.”

More than 300 Bell 505s currently operating

The Bell 505 was introduced in 2014 and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2017. There are now more than 300 Bell 505s operating in more than 55 countries on six continents, surpassing 50,000 total fleet flight hours.

Recently, Bell appointed Rheinland Air Service GmbH as the first German dealer for the Bell 505.