Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced at the 2026 International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE), taking place in Santiago, Chile from 07-12 April, that the Bell 505 (photo) has set a new record for the number of aircraft orders in Latin America in 2025. This achievement highlights the growing demand the region has seen for the Bell 505 and its multi-mission capabilities.

In the Southern Cone, there are more Bell 505s in operation than any other area in Latin America, making Bell’s support network critical to the success of the Bell 505. Through a system of customer service and authorized maintenance facilities, Bell delivers reliable, around-the-clock support that builds trust and confidence.

At the 2026 International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) in Santiago, Chile, Bell is showcasing a lineup of versatile vertical lift solutions used widely across Latin America. Attendees will also learn about Bell’s latest customer support initiatives designed to elevate aircraft readiness in the region.

Snapshot of Bell Aircraft across Latin America:

Bell 407GXi

The Bell 407GXi delivers impressive performance and fuel efficiency with the ability to cruise at 133 kts (246 km/h). With its Garmin G1000H™ NXi Flight Deck that enhances situational awareness and reduces pilot workload by delivering easy-to-read information at a glance, the Bell 407GXi continues to be an aircraft of choice for search-and-rescue, troop transport, and HEMS missions in region. The Bell 407 platform holds a well-earned reputation for reliability with more than 1,700 aircraft operating throughout the world with over seven million total fleet flight hours.

Bell 505

With its all-glass Garmin G1000H NXi avionics and moving map display, dual channel FADEC-controlled engine, and customizable cabin suite, the Bell 505 has become one of the fastest growing products amongst Latin American operators for both commercial and military use. With the ability to cruise at 125 knots (232 km/h) and a useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), this light single helicopter continues to prove its capabilities as a reliable multi-mission platform.

The Bell 505 was introduced in 2014 and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2017. There are now more than 600 Bell 505s operating in more than 66 countries on six continents, surpassing 300,000 total fleet flight hours. With a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and a useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the Bell 505 is designed to be easy to fly while providing significant value to the operator and best-in-class cabin visibility.

Bell 429

Demonstrating a platform built for rapid response, the Bell 429’s BasixPro intuitive displays, satellite-based guidance system, and wide clamshell doors make it an aircraft of choice for various missions in the region. As an advanced single pilot IFR, seven passenger aircraft with the ability to adapt to diverse demands without compromising safety, and unrivaled service support, the Bell 429 is in a league of its own. This dual-engine aircraft allows users to complete critical missions with ease, such as search-and-rescue operations in hard-to-reach locations.

SUBARU Bell 412EPX

With eleven aircraft variants spanning over four decades, the Bell 412 possesses a long history of supporting critical missions, including firefighting, law enforcement, military, and search-and-rescue operations. Combining its increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs., external weight of 13,000 lbs., and ability to carry 5,000 lbs. with a cargo hook, the SUBARU Bell 412EPX stands-out in its class for its ability to transport multitudes of public safety supplies.

Bell is  an aerospace and defense company that engineers and manufactures aircraft for critical solutions in extreme scenarios. Bell is breaking barriers in lifting people to safety across transportation, medical, rescue and military services, and leading the industry in future solutions that are fast, reliable and efficient.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., Bell has strategic locations around the globe.