Queensland Police Service to add three Bell 429s, taking its POLAIR Fleet to six Bell aircraft

At Avalon Australian International Airshow Bell Textron announced the Queensland Police Service has entered into a second service provision contract for QPS POLAIR services for three additional Bell 429s, which will expand the number of Bell helicopters in its current fleet to six. In 2022, contract provider Surf Life Saving Queensland signed for three Bell 429s, operating the QPS POLAIR fleet responsible for patrolling and supporting on-ground policing efforts in southeast Queensland. The new batch of Bell 429s is part of a POLAIR service provision contract between QPS and Townsville-based Meridian Helicopters to provide a similar airborne law enforcement capability in north Queensland for the next 10 years. 

Daniel McQuestin, business development director for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Rim, Bell commented: “It fills us with much pride to have QPS and their service providers see the immense value the Bell 429 brings to the table, especially in keeping Queenslanders, far and wide, safe. The addition of these three aircraft will enhance QPS’ aerial functions, improve response times and support critical missions, reinforcing the global reputation of the Bell 429 as a high quality and reliable law enforcement platform.” 

Equipped with night vision capabilities and cameras, the Bell 429 will be configured with these essential features to assist QPS officers in tracking vehicles, apprehending offenders and locating missing persons from the air. 

Around the world, the Bell 429 has built a name for itself as an aircraft that excels in its support for law enforcement, HEMS and utility work as well as corporate transport, as evidenced by high-profile users of the light twin platform, which include the New South Wales Police Force, New Zealand Police, Canadian Coast Guard, Indonesia National Police, New York Police Department, Royal Thai Police, and Swedish National Police. 

The Bell 429, with the largest cabin space in its class and two powerful PW207D1/D2 FADEC-equipped engines, can be kitted out with law enforcement-specific features such as an infrared camera, searchlight, removable and sliding doors, wire strike protection system, optional auxiliary fuel tank, fast rope insertion / extraction system, and an equipment operator station with one or two advanced tactical displays. 

Over 500 Bell 429s are currently in operation worldwide, with more than 735,000 flight hours accumulated.