Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Bell Helicopter opened a new office in New Delhi today for all of its operations in India. The company has had a presence in India for nearly 20 years, opening a liaison office in 1995. There are currently more than 100 Bell helicopters operating throughout India, it noted.


“We believe there are tremendous growth opportunities in terms of sales and manufacturing [in India],” said Bell president and CEO John Garrison. “This is an important day for Bell Helicopter as we celebrate our continued commitment and partnership with our customers in India.”


Currently, there are two Bell Helicopter customer service facilities in the region: Deccan Aviation in Bangalore and Air Works in Mumbai. Bell Helicopter also has full-time customer service representation there.


“As one of the world’s fastest growing economies and a large and diverse geographical area, India presents many opportunities for vertical lift. For example, helicopters are required for offshore oil field operations, power line washing and other important missions,” Garrison said. “More important, helicopters can save lives in India with the development of helicopter emergency medical service operations.”


The helicopter manufacturer’s parent company, Textron, also opened an engineering and technology center in Bangalore in 2004. Since that time, the Bell Helicopter team there has grown to 80 engineers and that number is expected to double by year-end.

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