Indonesia’s helicopter register and Bell Helicopters’ order book have both gained a significant boost, with news that operator PT Whitesky Aviation has ordered 30 new single-engine 505 Jetranger Xs.
The aircraft will be used for air taxi operations throughout Indonesia and its more than 14,000 islands.
PT Whitesky Aviation is a Jakarta based company specialising in non-scheduled (charter) flight. The company currently operates a fleet of six Bell Helicopter aircraft, including three Bell 429s and three Bell 407s.
“This signing is testament to the growing demand for the Bell 505, especially in the corporate and VIP sectors,” said Matt Hasik, executive vice president of commercial business for Bell Helicopters. “There are now more than 380 letters of intent around the globe, and more than 130 Bell 505 LOIs in the Asia Pacific Region alone.”
The Bell 505 is the company’s long mooted Bell Jetranger 206 entry-level replacement. With a cruise speed of 125 knots (232 km/h), range of 360 nautical miles (667 km) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (608 kg), the Bell 505 is designed to be safe and easy to fly while remaining affordably priced.