Karen Helicopter Services has expanded its single-engine fleet with the delivery of new Bell 505 HB-ZXE and HB-ZXL helicopters. The new fleet additions will be used for commercial flights and pilot training.
The Swiss-based helicopter service provider expects the Bell 505 to offer considerable performance improvements for its mountain operations, as the HB-ZXE has a VIP interior that, following EASA certification, will be equipped with autopilot, while the HB-ZXL has a utility interior and cargo hook.
According to Luca Carlino, Director and Head of Training at Karen Helicopter Services, the new aircraft will modernise and expand Karen’s current fleet of three Bell 206 helicopters: “The Bell 505 provides excellent comfort and performance for passengers and pilots, along with modern avionics consisting of Garmin G1000H NXi.”
The purchase of the new Bell 505s is part of the company’s investment into Karen’s Aviation Training Centre, based in Gordola, Switzerland, which incorporates aircrew and technical training personnel training under Part-147. Karen also has further development plans, which will be “unveiled soon”.
“The two helicopters will be used as well as the IFR trainer, with the purpose to increase the pilot flying experience on a helicopter while reducing costs compared to a multi-engine helicopter,” added Carlino.
