Bell Textron announced at European Rotors 2025 that a single, dedicated Bell 505 has now exceeded 700 flight hours using blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This achievement marks a significant step forward in Bell’s wider sustainability drive and underscores the company’s commitment to accelerating SAF adoption across its flight operations.
Robin Wendling, Managing Director for Europe at Bell, said the milestone reinforces the industry’s broader carbon reduction goals. He noted that Bell’s collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines has provided a vital advantage in testing and advancing greener aviation technologies.
The partnership began in March 2022, when Bell and Safran Helicopter Engines launched a joint initiative to study the technical performance and economic impact of SAF in the Bell 505, powered by the Arrius 2R engine. Less than a year later, the Bell 505 became the first single-engine helicopter to complete a demonstration flight operating on 100% SAF. Since July 2022, Bell has logged more than 700 flight hours using blended SAF on a single Bell 505 at the Bell Training Academy. Evaluations covering engine operability, aircraft performance, and detailed engine inspections have all delivered strong, positive results.
Jean-François Sauer, Safran Helicopter Engines, EVP Programs, commented, “We are particularly pleased with these SAF flights in partnership with Bell. SAF is key towards more sustainable helicopter use. The Arrius 2R, like all our engines, are currently able to operate with up to 50% drop-in SAF. Very soon, our engines will be capable of 100% drop-in SAF, paving the way for wider use of this type of fuel for increased sustainability of helicopter operations.”
The Bell 505 remains one of the most advanced platforms in its category, combining the Safran Arrius 2R engine with dual-channel FADEC and the Garmin G1000H NXi all-glass avionics suite, complete with moving map display. Its panoramic windows, open cabin design, and Synthetic Vision technology make it a versatile five-seat aircraft suited to public safety, utility work, and military training.
