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

Austrian operator Kitz-Air this week became Europe’s first commercial customer for the Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopter when it signed a purchase agreement with Bell Textron on Wednesday at Aero Friedrichshafen. The manufacturer has previously received European orders for the twin-engine model from the Croatian government and Sarajevo’s Ministry of Interior.
“Our missions are very demanding: whether lifting more than 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds) of external sling load on high-altitude construction projects in the mountains or executing critical firefighting missions, the Subaru Bell 412EPX has the right performance to fulfill all our missions,” said Christoph Klein, Kitz-Air’s accountable manager.
The 412EPX can carry up to 13 passengers with a maximum gross weight of 12,973 pounds and can carry a load of up to 4,990 pounds using a cargo hook. Overall, there are more than 130 examples of the Bell 412 operating in Europe.
For the past seven years, Bell Textron has been represented in Europe by Rheinland Air Service, which became its first-ever dealership in 2018. This week German airshow, Robin Wendling, Bell’s managing director for commercial sales in Europe, said the manufacturer recently achieved its first order for the Bell 525 aircraft in Europe when Norwegian energy group Equinor signed to buy 10 units.
Wendling told reporters that Bell Textron is “monitoring” the unfolding impact of U.S. tariffs and the prospect of retaliatory action by governments in Europe and around the world. He pointed out that the U.S.-based group manufactures its commercial helicopters in Canada and exports them from its Mirabel site near Montreal.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Kitz-Air Becomes Latest European Customer for Subaru Bell 412EPX Helicopter

Austrian operator signed an order during the Aero Friedrichshafen show in Germany

Bell Textron grew the order book for its 412EPX helicopter, signing an agreement with Austrian operator Kitz-Air through its dealership Rheinland Air Service.

Kitz-Air Becomes Latest Bell 412EPX Customer in Europe

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Aero Friedrichshafen 2025

In this article

Bell 412 Series

Bell

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