MIRABEL, Canada – Bell Textron Canada Limited, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has reached a major production milestone with the completion of its 6,000th commercial aircraft at its Commercial Delivery and Assembly Centre in Mirabel, Quebec. The historic delivery includes two SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters, which will be operated by the Sûreté du Québec under the stewardship of the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable.
“This 6,000th helicopter built in Canada demonstrates our commitment to manufacturing aircraft capable of performing the most critical missions, as well as our dedication to contributing to Quebec’s economy,” said Danny Maldonado, Chief Commercial Officer at Bell Textron. “We’re proud to deliver aircraft that support communities globally — and especially proud to support our own.”
The milestone also underscores nearly 40 years of Bell’s operations in Quebec, where the company has become a key player in the regional economy, aerospace innovation, and workforce development. “This helicopter is more than a number — it is a symbol of Quebec’s expertise and an unwavering commitment to public safety,” said Ms. Sonia Bélanger, Minister responsible for the Laurentians region.
The two new SUBARU Bell 412EPXs will join the Service Aérien Gouvernemental (SAG) fleet, expanding support for critical operations across Quebec. In 2024 alone, the Sûreté du Québec conducted 116 missions using SAG aircraft, including search and rescue, flood evacuation, aerial surveillance, and tactical response.
“These helicopters are essential to fulfilling our mission,” said Liette Abel Normandin, Senior Director of Strategy and Institutional Affairs at the Sûreté du Québec. “Their versatility and performance are vital for operations across Quebec’s rugged terrain.”
The SUBARU Bell 412EPX represents the latest evolution of the Bell 412 platform, offering enhanced lift capabilities, advanced avionics, and robust mission flexibility. Designed for complex operational environments, it is well suited for missions over forest, mountainous terrain, and remote areas with limited infrastructure.
“Bell has invested in Quebec for decades, building a global Center of Excellence in Mirabel,” said Michael Nault, General Manager of Bell Textron Canada. “This delivery is a testament to the strength of Quebec’s engineering and manufacturing talent — and its global reach.”
The milestone was celebrated with a ceremony at Bell’s Mirabel facility, where employees, partners, and government dignitaries gathered to honour the company’s legacy and its future.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: BELL
