Bell, November 19, 2025 - Cologne, Germany - Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced during European Rotors 2025 that Slovakian-based HEMS operator, Air Transport Europe, has signed a purchase agreement for its fifth HEMS-configured Bell 429.
With the purchase of its newest Bell 429, Air Transport Europe has earned its spot as Europe’s largest Bell helicopter operator in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) field.
Robin Wendling, managing director of Europe, Bell, said “Bell is proud to support Air Transport Europe, a highly respected and long-standing EMS operator providing services across Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Their continued trust in the Bell 429 reflects our shared commitment to safety, reliability, and excellence in every mission.”
Since 1991, Air Transport Europe has completed more than 33,691 HEMS missions, specializing in missions focused in remote locations. The HEMS company positions its headquarters in Poprad - a strategic location near the High Tatra Mountains in northern Slovakia.
Since its inception, Air Transport Europe has expanded its operations to seven bases throughout Slovakia and two locations in neighboring Czech Republic. With the addition of its fifth Bell 429, Air Transport Europe plans to expand its HEMS operations in region.
Milan Hoholik, CEO of Air Transport Europe, said “The addition of the Bell 429 underscores the company’s commitment to safety, innovation, and delivering reliable helicopter emergency service. The new aircraft will be customized to meet our exact medical and operational needs, ensuring optimal functionality for patient care and mission efficiency”
As a platform built for rapid response, the Bell 429 offers a fast cruise speed of 150 knots, allowing Air Transport Europe to be on scene for urgent calls or interfacility transport when minutes matter. With more than 500 Bell 429s globally and over 735,000 global flight hours, the platform continues to build its reputation as one of the most advanced light twin helicopters in its class.
About Bell : Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 90 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us. We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours. Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.
About Textron : Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems.
With the purchase of its newest Bell 429, Air Transport Europe has earned its spot as Europe’s largest Bell helicopter operator in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) field.
Robin Wendling, managing director of Europe, Bell, said “Bell is proud to support Air Transport Europe, a highly respected and long-standing EMS operator providing services across Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Their continued trust in the Bell 429 reflects our shared commitment to safety, reliability, and excellence in every mission.”
Since 1991, Air Transport Europe has completed more than 33,691 HEMS missions, specializing in missions focused in remote locations. The HEMS company positions its headquarters in Poprad - a strategic location near the High Tatra Mountains in northern Slovakia.
Since its inception, Air Transport Europe has expanded its operations to seven bases throughout Slovakia and two locations in neighboring Czech Republic. With the addition of its fifth Bell 429, Air Transport Europe plans to expand its HEMS operations in region.
Milan Hoholik, CEO of Air Transport Europe, said “The addition of the Bell 429 underscores the company’s commitment to safety, innovation, and delivering reliable helicopter emergency service. The new aircraft will be customized to meet our exact medical and operational needs, ensuring optimal functionality for patient care and mission efficiency”
As a platform built for rapid response, the Bell 429 offers a fast cruise speed of 150 knots, allowing Air Transport Europe to be on scene for urgent calls or interfacility transport when minutes matter. With more than 500 Bell 429s globally and over 735,000 global flight hours, the platform continues to build its reputation as one of the most advanced light twin helicopters in its class.
About Bell : Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 90 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us. We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours. Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.
About Textron : Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems.
See also |
429 in
Air Transport Europe Ltd 
Air Medical Ambulance Services 429 in
Bell Helicopter Europe 
