Bell 505 Helicopter Sets New Sales Records in Latin America

The Bell 505 has become the product-of-choice across Latin America, with a record number of orders in 2025.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A blurred, abstract image of a Bell 505 helicopter in flight, with its rotors and fuselage creating sweeping streaks of color against a bright, hazy sky background, conveying a sense of speed, modern engineering, and travel.The Bell 505 helicopter's growing popularity in Latin America reflects its versatility and Bell's commitment to customer support in the region.Fort Worth Today

Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., announced at the FIDAE 2026 air show in Santiago, Chile that the Bell 505 helicopter 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.

Why it matters

The Bell 505's success in Latin America showcases the trust Bell has built with its customers in the region and the exceptional performance and adaptability of the aircraft. The Bell 505's versatility and Bell's strong customer service network have been critical factors in driving repeat sales and new orders across Latin America.

The details

The Bell 505 was introduced in 2014 and certified by the FAA in 2017. There are now over 600 Bell 505s operating in more than 66 countries on six continents, with the aircraft surpassing 300,000 total fleet flight hours. The Bell 505 has a maximum cruise speed of 125 knots and a useful load of 1,500 pounds, designed to be easy to fly while providing significant value and best-in-class cabin visibility to operators.

  • The Bell 505 was introduced in 2014.
  • The Bell 505 was certified by the FAA in 2017.
  • Bell announced the new Latin America sales record at FIDAE 2026 on April 7, 2026.

The players

Bell Textron Inc.

A subsidiary of Textron Inc. and a manufacturer of helicopters and other aerospace products.

Textron Inc.

A multi-industry company that owns Bell Textron and other aerospace, defense, and industrial businesses.

John Ramos

The managing director for Bell in Latin America.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This milestone is a proud achievement for Bell, showcasing the trust we have with our customers and the exceptional efforts of our team.”

— John Ramos, Managing Director, Latin America

The takeaway

Bell's success with the 505 model in Latin America demonstrates the company's ability to build strong customer relationships and deliver aircraft that meet the diverse needs of the region. This achievement positions Bell well to continue expanding its presence and market share in the growing Latin American helicopter market.