Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Bell Helicopter announced the signing of two new purchase agreements on the opening day of the JetExpo 2014 show. Two undisclosed Russian private customers each have signed for a Bell 407GX single-engined aircraft. The new contracts were announced on the same day as Bell delivered three other helicopters to Russian clients. A VIP-configured Bell 407GX and a Bell 429 twin have been delivered to two undisclosed private operators. Separately, Helidrive, which is one of Bell’s independent representatives in Russia, took delivery of a 407GX that will be used for emergency medical flights in St Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region.


“The Bell 407GX and Bell 429 are our best selling models in Russia the Bell 429 is the most popular aircraft among all light twin engine helicopters in the country,” said Alexander Evdokimov, general director of Jet Transfer, which is another Bell independent representative in Russia. “We continue to grow the Bell 429 fleet, especially for VIP/corporate missions as well as special operations, HEMS and air taxi services.”


Bell Helicopter also announced that the 429 has been approved by Russian aviation authorities to operate with a wheeled landing gear.


At the JetExpo show, Bell Helicopter’s Textron Aviation parent company also displayed three fixed-wing aircraft: a Cessna Citation Sovereign, a Citation XLS+ and a Beechcraft King Air 350i twin turboprop. “Russia has long been a strong market for Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker products,” said Tom Perry, Textron’s vice president for sales Europe. “With these industry-leading brands now operating together under Textron Aviation, we offer an ideal aircraft portfolio to support the expansion of business aviation in Russia.”

Bell Boosts Helicopter Sales and Deliveries in Russia

On the first day of the JetExpo show, Bell Helicopter announced two more sales to Russian clients.

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