After delivering 99 helicopters to Indian Clients, the US Based rotorcraft manufacturing major, Bell Helicopter, while handing over its 100th helicopter in India at the Indian Aviation 2008 at Hyderabad announced its plan of set up a Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) base in the country. 

Bob Fitzpatrick, Senior vice-president, Bell Helicopter said that the company was in the initial stage of talks with potential partners for the unit and hope to wrap up the plan within an year.

While the Bell407 is a popular model with Indian clients, the company has launched a new model Bell 429 .To Quote Fitzpatrick "There are 15 orders for this new model from Indian clients and we have booked about 350 orders for this globally".

The new model will be beneficial for the oil and gas sector, VIP transport, corporates and emergency medical services. The important clients of the company in India are Deccan Aviation, Global Vectra Helicorp, Heligo Charters and Pawan Hans. The company is also working with the Director General of Civil Aviation for offering support for helipads and other infrastructure and maintenance issues.

Bell Helicopters specializes in manufacturing military and civilian helicopters. Quoting Fitzpatrick" We see a great opportunity in India and the Global market for Helicopters is quite strong despite the current economic crisis .......The Indian market is turning out to be attractive".