European emergency helicopter operator Avincis has announced its intention to acquire five Bell 214ST helicopters from Australia’s McDermott Aviation. The reported plan aims to enhance firefighting and utility operations across Europe, with the aircraft set to be used in regions facing an increasing number of wildfire incidents this year.
The Bell 214ST, a highly capable medium-lift helicopter, can carry approximately 3,000 kg of useful load and is already used by McDermott Aviation for firefighting activities in Greece. Avincis, based in Portugal, is seeking to expand its fleet as wildfire activity intensifies throughout the continent, having flown over 12,600 fire suppression hours in 2026—an increase of nearly 90% from the previous year.
Industry and aircraft details
McDermott Aviation owns a significant portion of the global Bell 214ST fleet and holds the aircraft’s type certificate. The company is reviving production of the helicopter, incorporating a Safran Aneto engine instead of the original GE Aerospace CT7. The used aircraft will be directly purchased from McDermott, demonstrating an ongoing partnership between the companies.
“The McDermott 214ST is a highly respected platform, and these aircraft will strengthen our ability to deploy resources across our operations in response to changing operational requirements and wildfire conditions,” said John Boag, CEO of Avincis.He pointed out that rising demand for firefighting and utility services underscores the importance of versatile aircraft like the Bell 214ST.
John McDermott, founder and president of McDermott Aviation, described the deal as a “significant step,” emphasizing the aircraft’s ongoing relevance for firefighting worldwide. The Bell 214ST is an evolution of Bell’s Huey series, initially designed for Iran but later entering global and commercial markets after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
This strategic acquisition reflects industry trends favoring rugged, reliable helicopter platforms capable of supporting diverse emergency and utility tasks amid a changing climate landscape.
