► Horizon Replaces Bell 206 Jet Ranger and Agusta Bell 206 with Bell 505, Further Enhancing Flight Training
Dubai-UAE: 17 November, 2019 – Horizon, the Middle East’s largest independent helicopter flight training academy supporting commercial and military operators, today announced its decision to replace the Bell 206 Jet Ranger and the Agusta Bell 206 with the Bell 505 helicopter.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2019, which is taking place at Dubai World Central from 17 – 21 November. Horizon’s initiative contributes to the market demand for glass cockpit helicopter training, while meeting the latest technology training needs.
The new Bell 505 aircraft come equipped with integrated glass cockpits and increased automation, among other features that are expected to reduce overall pilot workload whilst simultaneously providing unparalleled crew situational awareness.
Hareb Thani Al Dhahiri, CEO of Horizon, said: “The new aircraft underpins Horizon’s commitment to respond to the continually evolving technological advancements that are essential to our training courses. The integration of the Bell 505 into the fleet further reinforces the Academy’s mission of delivering the latest innovative training solutions.”
Ian D’Arcy, Vice President Middle East & Pacific of Hawker Pacific – as the Independent representative for Bell – said: “The replacement of the Bell 206 Jet Ranger – which dates from 1975 – and the Agusta Bell 206 with the Bell 505 will not only ensure Horizon remains the leading flight training academy in the Middle East, but also result in enhanced safety and mission capabilities.”
Since its inception in 2003, Horizon has been the only flight academy in the Middle East that provides flight training to both commercial and military customerson Bell aircraft. Among its most recent achievements, the Academy has received official approval to become a Recognised Bell Training Centre as a direct result of purchasing the Bell 505. Horizon has also received approval to provide Advanced Twin-Engine flight training on the Bell 429 range to support customers that require advanced training. These programmes will be in addition to the Bell 505 courses. Horizon’s success in achieving these milestones articulates its aim of supporting a new generation of pilots develop the latest industry skills, and ensure they are offered exposure to the best possible career opportunities.
Reiterating its pioneering status in the regional aviation industry, Horizon’s continuous adaptation is designed to further the Abu Dhabi Government’s approach of economic diversification, as well as its ambition to create a sustainable, knowledge-based economy that increasingly relies on advanced technologies.
Horizon is part of the Mission Support cluster within EDGE, an advanced technology company for defence and beyond, that was inaugurated in November 2019.
Hawker Pacific, A Jet Aviation Company, is one of the leading aircraft sales and product companies in Asia, Pacific and the Middle East, offering a range of product support activities including MRO, CR&O, Systems Integration and support services to fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
