Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, appointed Rheinland Air Service GmbH (RAS) the first German dealer for the Bell 505. Approaching 50 years of business aviation experience, RAS is a proven provider of expert aviation sales and service.

“We are pleased to announce RAS as Bell’s first authorized 505 dealership for Germany,” said Duncan Van De Velde, Managing Director, Europe & Russia. “This partnership has been highly valued as we continue to expand our footprint in Germany. With the Bell 505 dealership, we can use our customer collaboration to attract new owners and establish a stronger presence in the region.”

“This partnership is important for Bell’s work in Germany. We want to provide customers with a complete 505 solution through a local company in their national language,” said Patrick Moulay, Senior Vice President International Business. “With its team’s experience in aviation and excellent reputation, we believe RAS is the best launch partner for the first 505 dealership.”

Located in Mönchengladbach, RAS will be home to the first ever Bell 505 dealership. It was established in 1972 and employs 280 staff in four locations in Germany.

“We are proud to be part of the Bell family and represent the German market with this high performing aircraft. The Bell 505 is an incredible helicopter, and we see a huge potential for our German customers,” said Johannes Graf von Schaesberg, CEO, RAS. “The cooperation between Bell and RAS is our long-term vision to expand the German market for the Bell brand.”

The Bell 505 is ideal for private charters, corporate executives, medical evacuations, utilities, public safety, pilot training, and more. The light single-engine helicopter offers a rare combination of rugged high performance, superior fuel efficiency, and a low cost of acquisition and operation. With the only dual-channel FADEC engine in its class, the helicopter has plenty of power at high altitudes. Additionally, the high-tech G1000H all glass flight deck and panoramic windows provide great visibility, full situational awareness, and safety.