Helikopter - Bell med kvartalsrapport - B525 ikke ferdig testet - AIN

 

Jeg stiller meg totalt uforstående til Equinor som har bestilt en helikoptertype som ikke er ferdig testet. Man burde ha bestilt H175 i stedet. (Red.)

Bell Helicopter Shipments Lag in 1Q2024

Bell delivered 18 commercial helicopters in the first quarter, down from 22 in the same period last year. The breakdown included twelve 505s, four 407s, one 429, and one 412. This represents a slight shift from the first three months of last year, when four 429 helicopters were handed over to customers.

On the defense side, Bell shipped two H-1 helicopters in the quarter but did no V-22 tiltrotors. This contrasts with two V-22s and no H-1s in the same period a year ago.

Despite a slight decline in some commercial and military programs, Bell had revenues of $727 million in the quarter, a $106 million year-over-year increase. Bell's earnings in the first three months were up $20 million from a year ago, to $80 million.

During an earnings call yesterday, parent company Textron chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly provided further insights into the rotorcraft division's financial dynamics. He highlighted an expansion in Bell's margins, crediting a blend of cost management initiatives and the resolution of a lawsuit that temporarily boosted profits.

Meanwhile, Donnelly said the Bell 525 is on track for certification by year-end, progressing through critical flight tests and nearing the completion of required durability and reliability evaluations. “We should wrap up flight testing as we get to mid-year,” he said, adding that deliveries of the 525 are expected to start in late 2025.