World’s largest Bell HEMS operator adds Bell 429s to emergency services fleet

Global Medical Response (GMR) has signed a purchase agreement with Bell Textron Inc., for seven Bell 429s with the option to purchase an additional eight, maintaining its spot as the world’s largest Bell helicopter operator in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) field.

Global Medical Response, headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, has 381 operational bases across all 50 US states and internationally, and provides life-saving care as the largest end-to-end provider of acute out-of-hospital patient care.

Global Medical Response and Bell leadership meet in Fort Worth, sign purchase agreement for seven Bell 429s with the option to purchase an additional eight.

“Bell is proud to continue our work with Global Medical Response as they expand their HEMS fleet operations with their first Bell 429,” said Lane Evans, managing director of North America, Bell. “The Bell 429 is an incredible platform that was designed with HEMS operators in mind. We believe that the Bell 429 will be a true asset for the Global Medical Response team supporting their critical missions.”

Bell 429 | Photo: bellflight.com

As a platform built for rapid response, the Bell 429’s BasixPro intuitive displays and wide clamshell doors make it an ideal aircraft of choice for HEMS operators. This dual-engine aircraft offers a fast cruise speed of 150 knots, allowing Global Medical Response 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.

“Adding the Bell 429 to our fleet will allow us to expand access to care to patients who need it,” said Daniel Sweeza, national president of air operations for Global Medical Response. “It also allows us to meet the requests of our healthcare partners, who have been asking for the flexibility the Bell 429 provides. We’re excited to add this airframe to our GMR communities starting in the spring of 2026.”

This announcement comes after Bell announced the delivery of Global Medical Response’s first IFR-configured Bell 407GXi, marking the first of 24 anticipated aircraft deliveries to the air medical service operator. In total, Global Medical Response and its affiliates currently use the Bell 407 and Bell 206L platforms to serve local communities in need of emergency care.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 11th September 2025 | Issue #810