Bell CEO Garrison to attend opening of new UK showroom and hangar

Bell CEO Garrison to attend opening of new UK showroom and hangar

17-Sep-2013 Source: Heli-Charter

AVIATION pioneers at a major new multi-million pound helicopter base are re-introducing America back to the famous Manston airfield in Kent, UK.

The dynamic UK company Heli-Charter has forged a unique relationship with the world famous Bell Helicopter from the USA.

On Saturday, September 21, 2013, a VIP launch party is due to be held at the new Bell Helicopter and Heli-Charter home, Sapphire House, and among the VIP guests to be invited is Bell Helicopter chief executive, John Garrison.

[HeliHub.com editor note – we understand that Danny Maldonado, Bell’s EVP of Sales and Marketing, is doing the official “opening”]

Sapphire House is the UK’s first ever purpose built luxury helicopter centre of excellence and is approved by the Civil Aviation Authority. The building boasts a showroom, maintenance hangar and office suites.

The latest range of helicopters, including VIP and luxury aircraft made by Bell, will be on sale in the new showroom at Manston.

The arrival of Bell Helicopter marks the return of American aviation to the historic Manston which was home to the United States Air Force during the Cold War from 1950-1960.

Bell Helicopter founder, Larry Bell, (of Bell Aircraft) produced, in 1938, the famous US fighter aircraft of World War Two – the P-39 Airacobra. This aircraft was used by the RAF in 1941.

The top team at the UK based Heli-Charter includes chief executive Mr Ken Wills, C.ENG, FRAeS, C.Mger, FCMI, managing director Gary Slater, and Aircraft & Maintenance Sales Manager Elaine McCole-Slater.

Heli-Charter, which has been in business in the UK for more than twenty years, recently won a major contract to be the sole independent UK importer and retailer for Bell Helicopter.

Heli-Charter also plans to work closely with the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance charity and crew, and other emergency services in the UK working with helicopters.

Heli-Charter will also offer advanced pilot training courses Sapphire House.

Mr Wills said: “I am very proud of Heli-Charter for bringing the world famous American aviation company, Bell Helicopter, to Manston! It’s a significant moment in the history of Manston to see the Americans return to us in this way! The launch of the new Bell Helicopter and Heli-Charter building confirms a unique relationship between our two companies. I am also keen we play a high profile role in supporting the UK’s emergency air ambulance services.”

*Mr Wills, 59, is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He is a helicopter pilot with a world record in precision flying, and also the proud holder of an American pilot’s licence. Mr Wills is also chairman of the RAF Manston Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum. He is also chief executive of Summit Aviation at Manston – a company specialising in jet engine overhaul.

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Sapphire House – the new multi-million pound building housing a showroom, maintenance hangar and offices of Bell Helicopter and Heli-Charter at Merlin Way, Manston, near Ramsgate, Kent CT12 5FE.

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