Air Methods to purchase up to 28 Bell helicopters

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced at VAI Verticon 2025 that Air Methods signed a master purchasing agreement for up to 27 aircraft, including 15 instrument flight rules (IFR)-configured Bell 407GXis with an option to purchase an additional 12 aircraft in the future. This agreement comes on the heels of Air Methods’ recently signed purchase agreement for a Bell 429.

“Bell is incredibly honored that Air Methods has chosen Bell aircraft to advance their emergency care operations, building on a 45-year relationship with the operator,” said Lane Evans, North America manager, Bell. “Both the Bell 407GXi and the Bell 429 are powerful, reliable aircraft that offer exceptional mission capabilities to HEMS [helicopter emergency medical services] customers worldwide.”

With 300 bases serving 48 states, Air Methods transports more than 100,000 patients every year, clocking over 150,000 flight hours. With the addition of their newly acquired Bell 407GXis and Bell 429, they anticipate a decrease in response times, allowing them to better support the communities they serve.

“Air Methods and Bell have worked together for the entirety of Air Methods’ 45 years in operation. The Bell 407 and Bell 429 are core aircraft in our fleet of over 390 aircraft. The Bell 407 demonstrates exceptional performance and reliability and is the largest single engine fleet operated by Air Methods. The Bell 429 gives our clinical team the cabin capacity necessary to provide industry leading specialty care to our patients while also being very reliable,” said Leo Morrissette, EVP of Operations, Air Methods.

Able to cruise at 133 kts (246 km/h), the Bell 407GXi remains one of the top platforms for air medical agencies located throughout the world. With single-pilot IFR capability and adjustable cabin space, the Bell 407GXi allows operators to perform in demanding environments while carrying essential medical equipment needed during emergency missions.

As a platform built for rapid response, the Bell 429’s BasixPro intuitive displays, satellite-based guidance system, and wide clamshell doors makes it an aircraft of choice for public safety agencies across the region. This dual-engine aircraft allows users to complete critical public safety missions with ease, such as search-and-rescue operations in hard-to-reach locations. With more than 500 Bell 429s in its global fleet, the platform holds a reputation as one of the most advanced light twin helicopters in its class.