Kuwait Health Ministry selects Bell 429 aircraft to support EMS

The Kuwait Health Ministry has selected Bell Helicopter’s 429 aircraft for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in the Middle East.

The contract for the two Bell 429 aircraft for EMS requirements will be signed through Al-Safwa Security and Defense Systems Company.

The helicopters are to be delivered in April 2015. Currently, the health ministry operates two Bell 430 aircraft in support of HEMS missions.

Bell Helicopter Middle East and African sales vice-president and director Steve Suttles said: "This organisation has been able to assemble this complex life-saving program in just a short amount of time, and we are honoured to be involved in such an undertaking.
"The Bell 429 will provide the advanced support and exceptional performance they need during these demanding missions."

Al-Safwa managing director Ali Al-Fodari said: "We chose the Bell 429 because it is the best platform for HEMS operations in the Middle East, offering a large cabin with a fully flat floor providing the ability to quickly change the cabin configuration.

"As a pilot and as a person who wants to operate only the best equipment for the job, I am excited to upgrade our fleet with the highly advanced capabilities of the Bell 429."

The Bell 429 advanced light twin helicopter features a fully integrated glass cockpit with advanced drive system and wide area augmentation system (WAAS) navigation and IFR capability.

The aircraft also features a collective mounted throttle, damage tolerant hub and rotor system, and energy attenuating seats.