US non-profit air medical operator strengthens rapid response capability across western states

Bell Textron has announced an order for three additional Bell 407GXis from Life Flight Network, further expanding the operator’s helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) fleet.

The order will add to Life Flight Network’s existing fleet of 35 Bell aircraft, reinforcing its position as the largest not-for-profit air medical programme in the United States operating the largest Bell HEMS fleet.

The new mission-ready Bell 407GXis will support rapid emergency medical response operations across the organisation’s extensive service area in the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain West, and Hawaii.

“For nearly five decades, Life Flight Network has provided air medical care and transport throughout the western states, and Bell is honoured to take part in supporting their lifesaving operations,” said Lane Evans, Managing Director at Bell.

“These new Bell 407GXis highlight the reliability and capability our products provide to supporting lifesaving operations when minutes matter the most.”

SUPPORTING CRITICAL CARE OPERATIONS

Life Flight Network currently operates a combined helicopter and fixed-wing fleet of approximately 60 aircraft, delivering 24-hour ICU-level transport and emergency medical support to hospitals, emergency responders, police, EMS, and fire departments.

According to Ben Clayton, CEO of Life Flight Network, the acquisition decision centred on operational reliability and response capability.

“At Life Flight Network, every aircraft decision comes down to one thing: our ability to reach patients faster and deliver the best possible care,” Clayton said.

“These three Bell 407GXis bring proven reliability and exceptional performance to our fleet, and we’re proud to expand our longstanding relationship with Bell in support of that mission.”

HEMS-FOCUSED PLATFORM

The Bell 407GXi has been developed to meet the operational demands of HEMS missions, combining speed, reliability, and advanced avionics intended to improve operational safety and situational awareness.

The aircraft features the Garmin G1000H NXi integrated flight deck, designed to reduce pilot workload while enhancing flight information management during demanding emergency missions.

Bell stated that the helicopter’s engine performance, handling characteristics, and configurable cabin layout support rapid patient transport operations while providing medical teams with improved in-flight access and working space.

The Bell 407GXi fleet has accumulated more than 290,000 flight hours globally and is supported through Bell’s sustainment network. Life Flight Network also operates Bell 429 helicopters, with the organisation’s Bell fleet collectively recording over 17,000 flight hours.