Avincis moves to add five Bell 214ST helicopters for aerial firefighting push

Aerial services operator Avincis has signed a letter of intent to acquire five Bell 214ST medium-twin helicopters from Australian firm McDermott Aviation, the holder of the type’s design approval. The Lisbon-headquartered company plans to deploy the rotorcraft across its worldwide operations, though neither the transaction value nor a delivery schedule has been disclosed.

The deal reflects what Avincis describes as rising demand for aerial firefighting support. In the eight months to 31 August, the company logged more than 12,600 firefighting flight hours — up nearly 90% year on year. Group chief executive John Boag said investment in versatile medium-lift aircraft is needed to meet customer demand, citing the 214ST’s lift capacity, endurance and performance in hot-and-high conditions, along with its utility role outside the fire season.

The 214ST can carry a useful load of up to 3,000kg, lift 3,580kg on its external hook, stay airborne for up to 4.1 hours and cruise at 120kt. It is certificated for up to 18 passengers and can also move crews and equipment on utility missions year-round.

McDermott Aviation has held the type certificate for the 214ST and the related 214B since 2023 and is working to relaunch production, replacing the original GE Aerospace CT7 engines with Safran Helicopter Engines Aneto powerplants. However, the five aircraft Avincis intends to buy come from McDermott’s existing inventory rather than as new-build examples.

The type has a long pedigree. Bell developed it in the late 1970s, initially as a military platform, before it found civil buyers; it received US Federal Aviation Administration certification in 1982 and production ran until 1993. Bell sold the type certificate to heavy-lift specialist Erickson in 2021, and Erickson passed it to McDermott two years later. Founder and president John McDermott said his company is committed to the platform’s long-term future.

For suppliers, the transaction underscores continued aftermarket and legacy-platform activity in the rotary-wing market. Shares of GE Aerospace (GE) closed at $325.48, down 2.98% from the previous close of $335.49, valuing the company at roughly $337.7 billion.

What to watch

• Conversion of the letter of intent into a definitive purchase agreement, including disclosed pricing and delivery dates.
• Progress on McDermott Aviation’s relaunch of 214ST production with Aneto engines.
• Avincis’ firefighting flight-hour disclosures and fleet updates in upcoming operational reporting.

Source: original release