Jet Aviation has successfully redelivered the final two of six Bell 429 helicopters to a customer in the Middle East, marking the completion of a multi-year contract that began in 2019. The final pair of helicopters was redelivered in March 2025, following previous deliveries in 2020 and 2024.
The agreement saw Jet Aviation, acting as a Bell independent representative, collaborate closely with the customer to tailor the aircraft to their mission-specific requirements. Each Bell 429 was equipped with a bespoke suite of mission equipment, including electro-optical infrared systems (EOIRS), mission mapping, video downlink, searchlight and dedicated mission communications.
Beyond modifications, Jet Aviation supported the customer through every stage of the process—assisting with the purchase of mission equipment, overseeing factory acceptance at Bell’s facility, and conducting inspections of both the aircraft and accompanying documentation to ensure delivery met specifications.
Ian D’Arcy, vice president of rotary & aircraft sales at Jet Aviation, noted: “With over 50 years’ representing Bell in the Middle East, we have built up extensive knowledge of the requirements of our customers in the region and utilise this to support them in making the best choices for their mission… We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with this customer, spanning decades, and we look forward to continuing to support them with their ongoing rotary requirements.”
Jet Aviation operates four rotary customisation and maintenance facilities in Australia and the Middle East, including two run in partnership with Bell under the RBIH banner. The company also provides helicopter sales across both regions.
A wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, Jet Aviation employs over 4,500 staff across 50 global locations. Its comprehensive aviation services include aircraft management, charter, completions, government programmes, fixed-base operations (FBO), maintenance, staffing, and aircraft sales.
