Bell Textron Inc. is strengthening its footprint across the Asia Pacific region, announcing fresh orders from a longstanding Japanese partner alongside a recent delivery to an Indonesian client. The company confirmed that Nakanihon Air Co., Ltd. (NNK), a major helicopter operator in Japan, has committed to purchasing two additional Bell 429 aircraft.
The new helicopters will be dedicated to helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), adding to two Bell 429s NNK acquired in 2017. The operator currently manages a diverse fleet exceeding ten rotary-wing aircraft, including Bell 430 and 412 models. NNK’s relationship with Bell spans more than six decades, during which it has acquired nearly 80 aircraft. Operating as an authorized Customer Service Facility since 1994, NNK plays a critical role in supporting Bell’s presence in the Japanese market.
“NNK’s decision to expand their Bell 429 fleet is a powerful testament to the aircraft’s capabilities and our enduring partnership,” said David Sale, managing director for Asia Pacific at Bell. “Their continued investment in the platform for critical HEMS missions underscores the aircraft’s performance attributes, including its speed and stability. These recent milestones highlight the trust customers place in our solutions.”
In a parallel development, Bell successfully delivered a single Bell 429 to a corporate operator in Indonesia at the end of 2025. This delivery reinforces the aircraft’s growing reputation for reliability in diverse operating environments across the Southeast Asian archipelago.
The Bell 429 is recognized regionally for its versatility, supporting a wide array of missions. Prominent operators in the region include the New South Wales Police Force, the Queensland Police Service, and the Royal Thai Police, demonstrating its suitability for law enforcement and public safety roles.
Globally, the Bell 429 fleet has accumulated more than 811,900 flight hours, with over 500 units currently in operation worldwide. The helicopter is designed to perform effectively across various sectors, including corporate transport, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and utility operations.
The aircraft features a fully integrated glass cockpit and is certified for single or dual-pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations. Its combination of speed, range, and advanced safety margins makes it a preferred choice for operators requiring a dependable multi-mission platform.
With these recent orders and deliveries, Bell continues to demonstrate its commitment to the Asia Pacific market, providing tailored solutions and ongoing support to meet the evolving needs of civil and governmental customers in the region.
