Japan’s HEMS presence increased with Bell 429 orders

Bell Textron continues to expand its footprint in Asia Pacific with new orders for the Bell 429 from Japan.

At the Singapore Airshow, Nakanihon Air Co (NNK), one of Japan's largest helicopter operators, signed a purchase agreement for two additional Bell 429 aircraft to support helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS). This follows NNK’s previous purchase of two Bell 429s in 2017.

NNK currently operates a fleet of over 10 Bell helicopters, including the 430, 412, and 429 models. As an authorized Customer Service Facility since 1994, NNK has acquired approximately 80 Bell aircraft over the past 60 years, underscoring its long-standing relationship with the manufacturer.

“We are thrilled that Nakanihon has chosen to expand its Bell 429 fleet, bringing their total Bell helicopter fleet to approximately 80 over nearly six decades,” said David Sale, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Bell. “Their continued trust in the Bell 429 for HEMS operations highlights the aircraft’s exceptional performance, speed, and low vibration. These milestones reflect the confidence our customers place in Bell and our commitment to providing tailored solutions and seamless support across Asia Pacific.”

The Bell 429 is widely recognized for its versatility and reliability, serving diverse missions across the region. Notable operators include New South Wales Police, Queensland Police Service, and the Royal Thai Police. Globally, the Bell 429 fleet has surpassed 811,900 flight hours, with over 500 aircraft in operation.

Designed for a range of missions, the Bell 429 features a fully integrated glass cockpit and single- or dual-pilot instrument flight rules (IFR) capability. Its exceptional speed, range, and safety margins make it ideal for corporate, HEMS, law enforcement, and utility operations.

Bell also recently announced an order of a Bell 505 for firefighting missions with EnB Air.