How much of Bell’s business originates in the Middle East? 
 

The Middle East has always been a key region for Bell. We have been delivering aircraft in the UAE and beyond to our customers for decades. In the UAE, Bell helicopters are used to train all the pilots in the region at the Horizon International Flight Academy, some are transporting personnel for the oil and gas industry operated by Abu Dhabi Aviation and Falcon Aviation and many are used for public safety with the Abu Dhabi Police and Sharjah Police. We also have light attack aircraft operated by the Joint Aviation Command. We have consistently been present in the region, helping our customers successfully deliver their missions and we will continue to do so in the future.

What are your key predictions for the aerospace market in the Middle East? 
 

Overall, the commercial helicopter market has not fully recovered from the downturn and the challenges faced by the oil and gas industry a few years back. The Middle East is a market that is hard to predict, cyclical, however, I expect we will continue to see opportunities primarily in the law enforcement and military sectors. Despite this, we are very excited, because we have two new helicopter types entering the market. The Bell 505 is our entry-level aircraft and we have already delivered over 200 worldwide. The aircraft is extremely cost-effective to run and we are seeing interest from Middle East customers with training requirements. It can be configured for single or dual pilot use, has a dual FADEC engine, a full glass cockpit, so it’s a nice aircraft for the price point. It’s ideal as a military trainer and for flight schools. At the top end of our commercial portfolio, we have the Bell 525, which is a 16 to 19 seat helicopter coming to market. I would say that it’s probably the most advanced commercial helicopter that has ever been developed for oil and gas, search and rescue. It is the first commercial helicopter with fly-by-wire controls and we believe it’s a game-changer. In the Middle East, we also see opportunities for the aircraft on the corporate VIP segment, but that will be a niche for customers who are looking for the ultimate best in terms of safety, comfort, speed and of course, luxury. Actually, if you would like to see it, the aircraft is currently on display at the Dubai South VIP Terminal in front of Jet Aviation. You can’t miss it.

What technologies do you predict will impact the helicopter industry most in the next five years?

I think we will see new technologies that will enhance the safety standards of the industry, such as fly-by-wire, preventive maintenance, overall improved efficiency, all features that will greatly benefit operators. We are currently in the process of certifying these technologies for the Bell 525, which are outstanding and will make a huge difference for operators. As space on the ground becomes limited and congested, we must also solve transportation challenges through flight – and that’s where Bell’s urban air mobility vision comes into play. This is a bit further down the line, but the development is happening right now.

Which industry sectors are you focusing on in 2019 and why?
 

In the Middle East, we are focused on Law Enforcement with our Bell 429 and Bell 412EPIs and military trainer opportunities for the Bell 505 and Bell 407. We also see opportunity for growth in the light attack helicopter segment with the Bell 407. On the other side of the spectrum, our Bell 525 super-medium helicopter is disrupting the market with its new technologies, redefining luxury vertical lift.
 

Why is the Dubai Airshow important to Bell? 
 

The Dubai Airshow is the opportunity to meet with our regional customers in one place, to continue the engagements we have year round with our operators. It is also a great platform for us to provide updates on our activities, our local success and what you can expect from Bell in the Middle East. 
 

What are your objectives for the Dubai Airshow? Can you tell us anything about what you are looking to achieve at the 2019 show?
 

We are planning to announce many local successes at the show this year and we look forward to sharing the news with you. Stay tuned.

What are Bell’s major upcoming procurement and service agreement plans that the industry should know about?
 

We are very focused on continuing to improve our aftermarket support in all corners of the world. As our installed fleet continues to grow, we want to ensure that we are delivering innovative and timely solutions to support our customers, such as our Customer Advantage Plans, providing cost predictability and transparency while protecting aircraft value over time. We are also growing our network of approved maintenance centres to provide local service and support.