Queensland police commission new Bell 429s

Three Bell 429 helicopters have been commissioned by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for use in North Queensland. With a total of six Bell aircraft in their fleet, QPS operates Australia’s largest Bell law enforcement fleet, marking a significant milestone in enhancing public safety and operational capabilities across Queensland. The addition of the Bell 429 helicopters represents a transformative step in QPS’s aviation capabilities, enabling the force to address complex challenges with greater efficiency and precision. These state-of-the-art aircraft will be deployed for patrolling and supporting on-ground policing efforts across the state, further strengthening QPS’s ability to serve and protect its communities. The newly commissioned Bell 429 helicopters are equipped with cutting-edge safety features, high-resolution cameras, and night vision capabilities. These advancements significantly enhance QPS’s aerial capabilities, ensuring effective responses to critical incidents, improved surveillance, and seamless support for ground operations. “The Bell 429 is more than just an aircraft; it is a symbol of innovation and reliability,” said Daniel McQuestin, Bell’s business development director, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Rim. “Together with QPS, we are advancing aviation technology while strengthening and increasing trust and collaboration, ensuring communities are protected and served with excellence. The Bell 429 is a proven platform that delivers unmatched performance, reliability, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for public safety operations. We are proud to support QPS in their dedication to enhancing operational capabilities and safeguarding the people of Queensland.” Recent QPS POLAIR helicopter statistics reveal that the introduction of Bell helicopters has significantly bolstered its air capabilities, enhancing police operations and delivering measurable results for Townsville since October 1, 2024: Responded to 1,672 calls for service; First QPS asset on scene for 825 jobs; Assisted with 24 searches for vulnerable or missing persons; Assisted with the arrest of 601 offenders, including 225 young offenders; Attended 292 serious domestic violence incidents as a first response capability and involved in containing or locating 175 respondents; Responded to 264 stolen vehicle jobs and recovered 130 stolen vehicles. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]