Cologne, Germany – 24 November 2025 — Bell Textron Inc. has marked a notable sustainability milestone at European Rotors 2025, confirming that a dedicated Bell 505 has accumulated more than 700 flight hours while operating on blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The achievement strengthens Bell’s ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions within its flight operations and highlights the long-term success of its partnership with Safran Helicopter Engines.

Robin Wendling, Managing Director of Europe at Bell, said the milestone reflects meaningful progress towards industry-wide carbon reduction objectives. “Bell is proud to celebrate this next step in industry carbon reduction objectives,” he said. “Working alongside Safran Helicopter Engines has given us the cutting-edge advantage of exploring opportunities in greener aviation practices.”

The collaboration between Bell and Safran began in March 2022, centred on examining the technical and economic impacts of SAF on the Bell 505 powered by the Arrius 2R engine. Within a year, the aircraft became the first single-engine helicopter to complete a demonstration flight using 100% SAF. Since July 2022, the Bell Training Academy has logged more than 700 flight hours on blended SAF using a single airframe. Engine and aircraft performance assessments, including operability reviews and inspections, have shown positive results.

Jean-François Sauer, EVP Programmes at Safran Helicopter Engines, noted the importance of SAF in the future of helicopter operations. “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.”

Recognised for its advanced design, the Bell 505 pairs the Safran Arrius 2R engine with a dual-channel FADEC and Garmin G1000H NXi integrated avionics suite featuring a moving map display. Wide panoramic windows, an open cabin, and Synthetic Vision technology enhance situational awareness, making the five-seat helicopter suitable for roles that include public safety, utility missions, and military training.