Bell Textron Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard Announce Delivery of Final Bell Helicopter

Today, Bell Textron Canada, a Textron Inc. company, and the Canadian Coast Guard announced the delivery of a new Bell 429 helicopter to the Coast Guard at Bell’s Mirabel facility. The delivery, which occurred on September 15, marks an important milestone for both Bell Textron Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard. For Bell, it represents the 400th Bell 429 helicopter delivered, and for the Coast Guard, the completion of its light helicopter renewal program launched in 2014.

Since 2014, the Canadian Coast Guard and Bell Textron Canada have had a strong relationship that has strengthened during the renewal of the Coast Guard’s fleet of light and medium helicopters, comprised of seven Bell 412EPI and 16 Bell 429 helicopters. These helicopters provide support to ships engaged in critical maritime work including Aids to navigation, environmental response, icebreaking operations, and in support of search and rescue operations. The Canadian Coast Guard helps keep Canada's waters safe, clean, and more accessible to keep the Canadian economy moving.

For 35 years, Bell Textron Canada has designed, developed, assembled, and delivered leading-edge commercial helicopters in Mirabel to provide vertical lift solutions for operators, businesses, and government agencies all over the world – building a remarkable legacy as Canada’s helicopter company. Certified in 2009, the Bell 429 is the result of close collaboration with Government of Canada as well as provincial governments.

Today’s announcement represents the culmination of seven years of ensuring the Coast Guard has the equipment it needs. The building of the Coast Guard’s helicopter fleet in Canada by Bell Textron Canada contributed to growing Canada’s economy and ensuring good, well-paying jobs were available to Canadians. The work accomplished will ensure that Canadians are well-served by the Coast Guard in the years to come.

Quotes
“With this procurement, our Canadian Coast Guard’s light helicopter fleet is fully renewed. This is so important because a strong, well-equipped Coast Guard is one of the best ways to save lives on the water and protect our marine environment.” The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard

“We are proud to contribute to the accessibility, sustainability, and security of our Canadian waters. Through our proven expertise and a well-established Canadian support network, Bell continues to serve citizens around the world. Our global workforce and Canadian industrial base celebrates together with the Canadian Coast Guard,  and Bell 429 operators across the globe. With this aircraft, CCG is now the largest Bell 429 operator.” Steeve Lavoie, president, Bell Textron Canada

“Through the Canadian Coast Guard’s Fleet Renewal Plan, we’re ensuring our members have the best available equipment with which to do their jobs. The Coast Guard’s fleet of Bell 412 and 429 helicopters and the pilots play an important role in ensuring that Coast Guard services are available to Canadians wherever they may be.” Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard

Quick Facts

• Coast Guard helicopters take part in a wide variety of operations such as monitoring oil spills and ice conditions. Helicopters are also used to maintain and construct navigational aids and telecommunications equipment, transferring personnel and cargo between ship and shore, as well as to provide support to scientific missions.
• The Bell 429 was developed by Bell working closely with Federal and Provincial governments and was developed, built, tested and certified in Canada by Canadians.
• In 2014-2015, Bell and Bell Textron Canada were awarded contracts by the Government of Canada to deliver a fleet of 23 state-of-the-art helicopters to the Canadian Coast Guard. The value of the contract is over $338 million dollars.
• Every year, the Canadian Coast Guard’s 16 Bell 429 helicopters fly for over 5500 hours. Globally, the Bell 429 has thus far achieved 523,000 operating hours.