NZ firm Core Aviation to represent Texas-based Bell helicopters of Airwolf and police Eagle fame

Auckland aviation company Core Aviation says a new deal with Texas-based Bell Textron should boost competition in the local helicopter market.

Core Aviation says usually eight to 10 new helicopters are sold each year in New Zealand for tourism, emergency services, agriculture, and to private owners.

Now it says Bell wants to expand and has made Core Aviation its representative.

The New Zealand company says it will work with Bell to introduce the latest machines to operators and private buyers.

Those buyers will include wealthy people who use helicopters for business and travel.

But Core Aviation says it has also delivered contracts with the New Zealand Defence Force and worked with several government agencies.

The Bell 429 is used as the police Eagle helicopter, which was in action yesterday in a dramatic police pursuit across Auckland.

In 2019, police started using three Bell 429 helicopters for their air support unit.

In popular culture, the 1980s action series Airwolf used a modified Bell 222.

War comedy drama M*A*S*H used a Bell H-13 Sioux.

Core Aviation said the Bell 429 had a maximum cruise speed of 150 knots (277km/h) and up to four-and-a-half hours of endurance.

Core Aviation director Lachlan Jones said New Zealand’s helicopter sector was still lively despite the country’s size.

“New Zealand consistently punches above its weight in helicopter ownership and operations.”

Jones said Bell aircraft relied less on calendar-driven maintenance than many competitors.

That made operating costs more predictable for owners, he said.

“Aircraft that spend more time flying and less time in maintenance are naturally very attractive.”

A Bell 407 was currently touring New Zealand and would appear at Warbirds Over Wānaka International Airshow on Easter weekend, from April 3 to 5.

Jones said Core Aviation would host an Auckland event in the week after Easter for operators and potential buyers to view the aircraft.

Bell, based in Fort Worth, said its machines were also used for business travel, firefighting, and medical services.

Bell said its Model 47D was the world’s first police helicopter, joining the New York City Police Department in 1948.

John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation and the courts. He previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.