Bell, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has inked a significant purchase agreement with Equinor, marking a pivotal moment for the aviation industry. The deal encompasses the sale of 10 cutting-edge Bell 525 aircraft, specially tailored for North Sea offshore operations, with the commencement of deliveries anticipated in 2026.
The Bell 525, heralded for its technological prowess, promises Equinor a host of advantages in the realms of helicopter safety, reduced CO2 emissions, pilot support systems, passenger comfort, and noise reduction both internally and externally.
According to Danny Maldonado, Chief Commercial Officer at Bell, this collaboration with Equinor signifies a groundbreaking leap forward in innovation, set to revolutionise offshore oil and gas operations. Maldonado emphasises that the Bell 525’s advancements will elevate safety capabilities, reliability, and operational efficiency in the North Sea.
The Norwegian Aviation and Defense Group, serving as Bell’s representative in Norway, takes pride in facilitating this transformative agreement. The Bell 525 is poised to become the new standard for transporting personnel in the energy sector, securing a prominent role in Equinor’s operations.
Ole Petter Bakken, Chief Executive of the Norwegian Aviation and Defense Group, expresses excitement about the prospect of enhancing Bell’s longstanding legacy in Norway. He affirms Bell’s commitment to delivering top-notch aircraft and services, extending their proven track record to the Norwegian Continental Shelf and the energy sector.
The Bell 525 boasts state-of-the-art features, including fly-by-wire flight controls, unparalleled drive system performance, and comprehensive vehicle health monitoring. Notably, its drive system architecture sets a new industry standard, with independent and redundant reduction and accessory drive gearboxes, marking a paradigm shift in offshore aviation technology. Production of the Bell 525 is currently underway at Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center, with offshore-configured aircraft scheduled to roll off the assembly line in 2024. This deal signifies a momentous stride towards a more advanced and sustainable future for offshore transport and underscores Bell’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in aviation.